The sitter holds a bow and her hunting dogs are by her side.
The celestial character of Diana is reflected in her connection with light, inaccessibility, virginity, and her preference for dwelling on high mountains and in sacred woods. She is seen as active in ensuring the succession of kings and in the preservation of humankind through the protection of childbirth.
At this time in the 17th century to have oneself painted as a character from myth, legend or even as a saint was the height of fashion.
HENRI GASCAR (1635 – 1 Jan 1701) (also Gascard, Gascars) was a French-born portrait painter who achieved artistic success in England during the reign of Charles II.
He painted many leading ladies at court, including several of the King's mistresses.
Gascar came to England about 1674, probably at the behest of Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth, Charles II's favourite mistress at that time. Gascar (or Gascard, as he seems to have spelt his name at first) was already known as a skillful portrait-painter.
His flamboyant style, contrasting with the stolid English approach, seemed to suit the frivolity of the time and he painted many of the ladies of Charles II's court. His lack of attention to detail in the likeness he made up for by the sumptuous draperies and adornments around the subject.
On his return to Paris, Gascar was elected a member of the Académie Royale on 26 October 1680. He subsequently went to Rome, where he enjoyed a high reputation, and died there in January 1701, aged 66.
SIZE: 34 x 29 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Berkshire.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
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Sold.....portrait of a Lady C.1675; Circle of Henri Gascar.
