French Portrait of a Gentleman C.1750; Circle of Michel Hubert-descours (1707-1775), Antique Oil on Canvas Painting

This portrait testifies to the elegance and self-confidence of the Louis XV period. Beautifully rendered, it depicts a charismatic young gentleman wearing a blue coat with large button, a fine embroidered waistcoat, stock, and a lace frill down the front of his shirt. The powdered wig is tied in the back with a large queue. France greatly excelled in the arts during the 18th century, producing some of the highest quality and most sought after works.

Michel Hubert-Descours was one of the few French portrait painters who, despite not working in Paris, was able to achieve huge regional importance. For the entirety of his career Descours worked as an independent portrait painter in the small town of Bernay and yet was one of the best French portrait painters of the middle of the 18th century.

Praised highly by his teacher, Hyacinthe Rigaud, in whose workshop he was active between 1731 and 1745. He returned to his hometown in the 1740s, where, preceded by a good reputation, he quickly obtaineda successful practice receiving commissions from around Europe (portraits by the artist are to be found in Dresden and Potsdam) from the elite and local notable citizens. He showed great attention to the rendering of fabrics and accessories and he often combined the traditional Baroque formula for a portrait with an altogether more delicate and more light-hearted nature of the Rococo.

A remarkable attribute of this painting is its excellent state of preservation. It has not undergone a lining process (or required one) and the painting also remains on its original stretcher – these are two remarkable features considering a painting circa 270 years of age.

Held in a beautiful good quality gilded 18th century frame.

Provenance: Private collection, Bernay France

Measurements: Height 76cm, Width 67cm, Depth 7cm framed (Height 30”, Width 26.25”, Depth 2.75” framed)

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