Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Lady with Sapphires

Name: Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Lady with Sapphires
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1146802
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This charming mid-18th-century half-length French portrait depicts a lady wearing an olive green gown, together with a red cloak, and exquisite sapphire jewellery.

Painted circa 1740, this piece can be contextualised by considering Louis Tocqué’s (1696-1772) portrait of Marie Leczinska, Queen of France, as Royal commissions often set the bar in terms of fashion. Note the similarities of the neckline, use of jewellery, and hairstyle, with its single curl resting upon the left shoulder.

The inclusion of blue sapphires is a particularly interesting one as these were a prized possession and demonstrated one’s wealth, taste and loyalty in equal measure. During the 18th century, they were celebrated for their 'magical' properties, which protected against evil. With some believing they would change colour if the wearer lacked virtue. Evidently, our lady is a god-fearing exemplar of sound judgment.

Once upon a time, this portrait probably hung within a palatial setting decorated with ornate Rococo furnishings. It was a period of ostentatious displays, gilt everything, and sumptuous curves - distinctly more elegant when compared to the drama and pomp of the Baroque period. Its key tenets were the pursuit of happiness, frivolity, beauty, and, ultimately, l’amour.

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 34” x 39” / 86cm x 99cm

Year of creation: c. 1740

Provenance: Private collection, Italy.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Faint stretcher mark. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.

Our reference: BRV2147

Physical Dimensions

Height

99cm (38.98")

Width

86cm (33.86")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1146802

Description

This charming mid-18th-century half-length French portrait depicts a lady wearing an olive green gown, together with a red cloak, and exquisite sapphire jewellery.

“

Painted circa 1740, this piece can be contextualised by considering Louis Tocqué’s (1696-1772) portrait of Marie Leczinska, Queen of France, as Royal commissions often set the bar in terms of fashion.

Brave Fine Art

Note the similarities of the neckline, use of jewellery, and hairstyle, with its single curl resting upon the left shoulder.

fig 1. Mid-18th-Century French School, Portrait Of A Lady With Sapphires — fig 1. Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Lady with Sapphires

The inclusion of blue sapphires is a particularly interesting one as these were a prized possession and demonstrated one’s wealth, taste and loyalty in equal measure. During the 18th century, they were celebrated for their 'magical' properties, which protected against evil. With some believing they would change colour if the wearer lacked virtue. Evidently, our lady is a god-fearing exemplar of sound judgment.

fig 2. Mid-18th-Century French School, Portrait Of A Lady With Sapphires — fig 2. Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Lady with Sapphires

Once upon a time, this portrait probably hung within a palatial setting decorated with ornate Rococo furnishings. It was a period of ostentatious displays, gilt everything, and sumptuous curves - distinctly more elegant when compared to the drama and pomp of the Baroque period. Its key tenets were the pursuit of happiness, frivolity, beauty, and, ultimately, l’amour.

fig 3. Mid-18th-Century French School, Portrait Of A Lady With Sapphires — fig 3. Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Lady with Sapphires

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 34” x 39” / 86cm x 99cm

Year of creation: c. 1740

Provenance: Private collection, Italy.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Faint stretcher mark. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.

Our reference: BRV2147