Portrait of Young Lady Holding an Orange C.1700; Follower of Jean-baptiste Van Loo (1684-1745), Antique Oil on Canvas Painting

This work is a good example of the type of portrait popular in France during the last quarter of the 17th century. Depicted is a young girl with long hair and wearing a gown with billowing sleeves. By excluding elements such as props and a busy landscape the viewer focusses entirely on the beauty of the young sitter. The abundance of drapery and the whiteness of the skin with its pearlescent flesh tones and pink lips are direct references to wealth. The orange she holds is a symbol for love and marriage – she would have been considered marriageable age at the time.

France, during this period, was the leading exponent of fashion and the arts to the rest of Europe and the fashions arose from the French court itself. France was also the centre for lace-making, silk, and brocade and its many goods were in high demand in other European countries.

A feature of this portrait is its exquisite carved and gilded period frame, which is a work of art in its own right.

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-Baptise himself had two painter sons, Louis-Michel (1707-71) and Charles-Amedee-Philippe (1719-95). Jean-Baptiste studied in Italy under Benedetto Luti (1666-1724), before settling in Paris c.1720. He made a brief visit to England from 1737-42 and enjoyed immense success there, much to the envy of the native painters. He was favoured by the Prime Minister and he painted the Princess of Wales, her family, and household.

Measurements: Height 100cm, Width 85cm framed (Height ”, Width ” framed)

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