Brave Fine Art has dated this 18th Century French Portrait to the 18th Century.
He addresses us directly, turned slightly to the left, with a sense of ease to his pose. His coat has small covered buttons while the jabot spills down the chest in crisp, rhythmical folds. There's a warmth to the cheeks and the hint of a knowing smile. The eyes are particularly well done, with careful observation of the slightly heavy lids. Here's a man who reads with intent.
In France at the time, this was pre-Revolution, under Louis XV, moving into the reign of Louis XVI. It was the age of the Enlightenment - Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau.
The artist is unknown, yet given the handling of the anatomy and facial features, it's by a competent, well-trained hand. It's plausible that the artist trained in Paris and was perhaps working in a regional centre, such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Rouen, Dijon, or Toulouse. They certainly understood nuance.
There are several clues to date the piece to circa 1765, such as the cut of the coat, button placement, the style of the lace jabot and the powdered hair drawn back (rather than fully wigged). In addition, the bust format against a plain background was very common during the mid-18th century in provincial France. Furthermore, the craquelure pattern is consistent with natural ageing.
Overall, we were drawn to this piece as he feels 'alive'. Simply a man of thought standing on the brink of revolutionary upheaval (although he doesn't know it yet).
Held in a contemporary gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26½” x 29½” / 68cm x 75cm
Year of creation: c. 1765
Provenance: Private collection, France.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher marks. Later stretcher. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV2236
Brave Fine Art has dated this 18th Century French Portrait to the 18th Century.
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Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Lace Jabot - Antique Oil Painting
