This portrait depicts a young girl with long hair and holding a red velvet and ermine trimmed cape. It is possible to date this portrait from the hairstyle and the attire to circa 1700. The decorated russet tunic and its shoulder lapetts resemble Roman clothing, imbue the portrait with a classical theme. It was fashionable for aristocratic women to have their likenesses made in this manner as it elevated their status and created a tangible expression of power and wealth – and also created a timeless quality to the portrait.A feature of this portrait is its exquisite pierced and carved antique wood frame. It is a work of art in its own right, and rare considering its superb condition.The founder of the van Loo dynasty of painters was the Dutchman, Jacob van Loo (1614-70), who had to flee Amsterdam after killing someone in a pub brawl. He settled in Paris and his son, Louis Abraham, and grandsons, Jean-Baptiste and Carle-Andre all made successful careers in France. Jean-Bapti...