Portrait of a Gentleman C.1720; Studio of Nicholas De Largillierre (1656-1746)

The nobleman in this portrait is shown with the grandiloquence characteristic of Largillierre's portraits. Painted circa 1720 the subject is elegantly portrayed in an outdoor setting under a moody sky and wears an elaborate breastplate over a rich burgundy jacket with large embroidered cuffs. His long powered wig, immensely costly at the time, has been tied at the back with a black taffeta ribbon. The fine characterisation of the head, a hallmark of Largilliere, seems almost eclipsed by the bravura handling of the draperies and the technical virtuosity with the mastery of color combinations. The image illustrates the artist's virtuosic handling of material and his consummate skill - a talent that demonstrates why Largillierre (and his friendly rival Hyacinthe Rigaud) was one of Europe's premier painters of portraits, history paintings, and still lifes during the late 17th century and the first four decades of the 18th century.

The sitter is a descendant of Gerard Dubois who was a French merchant from Toul (France) who was knighted on 24th June 1525. The coronet above the shield is that of a Count. Much of the beauty of this painting resides in a daring exploitation of the resonant colors of the palette. Largillierre’s Flemish training is evident in the warm hues, broad, thick brushstrokes, and sinuous curves - something that gives Largillière's paintings their dynamism. Encased in a superb good quality gilt frame.

Nicolas de Largillierre was born in Paris in 1656. He was the son of a hatmaker and merchant who moved with his family to Antwerp in 1659. At a very early age his artistic gifts were recognised and his father apprenticed him to Antoni Goubau (1616-1698), a painter of bambocciate, genre scenes, and landscapes. He was admitted to the painters' Guild of Saint Luke when he was only 17 and in 1675 he made a second trip to London, where he was employed at Windsor Castle (possibly at the suggestion of Peter Lely [1618-1680]) and worked as a restorer under the direction of Italian painter and decorator Antonio Verrio (c.1639-1707), who brought him to the attention of King Charles II (r. 1660-1685). In 1679 Largillierre settled in Paris. In 1686, Largillierre made another visit to England where he painted portraits of the newly crowned king, James II (r. 1685-1688) and his consort Mary of Modena (1658-1718). He was frequented by the aristocracy, the wealthiest echelons of society, and foreign dignitaries. In the course of his long career he amassed a large fortune and lived on a grand scale.

Provenance: Private French collection

Measurements: Height 102cm, Width 84cm framed (Height 40”, Width 33” framed)

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