Portrait of a French Nobleman C.1700; Studio or Circle of Hyacinthe Rigaud.

Oil on canvas in early 19th c. giltwood frame.

The aristocratic sitter holds a typical Baroque swagger pose, his right hand on a pile of books of which one is 'Regie de 1700' (Government of 1700).

HYACINTHE RIGAUD, (1659 - 1743), was one of the most important portrait painters during the reign of King Louis XIV. His instinct for impressive poses and grand presentations precisely suited the tastes of the royal personages, ambassadors, clerics, courtiers, and financiers who sat for him.He and his friendly rival Nicolas de Largillière were their era's leading portraitists, but Rigaud painted aristocrats while Largillière concentrated on the wealthy bourgeoisie. Their differing approaches reflect their clients' status. Rigaud's sitters are shown in elegant stances of natural superiority; they are members of society whose costumes and gestures describe their function within the state. He combined Anthony van Dyck's prototypes and opulent style with Philippe de Champaigne's stiff, linear formality. In his unofficial portraits, however, Rigaud's interest in realism and character displays the influence of Rembrandt van Rijn. Since Rigaud's paintings captured very exact likenesses along with the subject's costumes and background details, his paintings are considered precise records of contemporary fashions.

Rigaud studied in Montpellier and Lyon before arriving in Paris in 1681. He won the Prix de Rome in 1682 but on Charles Le Brun's advice did not go to Italy. In 1688 Rigaud's flattering, graceful portrait of King Louis XIV's brother brought him favour at court. His subjects included dignitaries at Versailles, visiting royalty, prominent artists, and church and military leaders. His studio employed both part-time specialists and full-time assistants like Jean-Marc Nattier. They often copied his portraits, which Rigaud touched up as necessary. Elected to the Académie Royale as a history painter in 1700, Rigaud later taught there.

In 1709 he was made a noble by his hometown of Perpignan. In 1727 he was made a knight of the Order of Saint Michael. Rigaud died in Paris in 1743 at the age of 84.

SIZE: canvas 45 x 35.5 inches.

Framed 53 x 43.75 inches.

PROVENANCE:

*The Bryan Hall Collection, Banningham Old Rectory, Norfolk (see image 6).(Mr. Hall's collection, built up over 60 years, was acquired mainly from country house sales of the great Norfolk families during the post war years). His collection was dispersed in 2004.

* Private Collection.