Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting

Name: Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA977720
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This mid-18th-century French oil painting depicts a sophisticated gentleman holding a sealed missive.

With an enigmatic expression, he stands assuredly. Right hand held under his jacket - a symbolic reference to confident leadership. In his left, a letter impressed with his wax seal. He’s a man of words, spending countless hours corresponding - sharing thoughts, policies and philosophies.

His outfit resembles that of Louis Duval de l'Épinoy, Lord of Saint-Vrain, in a portrait by Maurice-Quentin de La Tour (1704-1788). Duval de l'Épinoy was an advisor to King Louis XV, a controversial ruler with a poor legacy. Under Louis XV, who’d been King since the age of five, national policy suffered through a lack of decisive governance. Ministers schemed within their own circles and spies became an integral aspect of everyday court life. Chaos ensued while Louis retreated amid an entourage of lovers.

This particular gentleman was possibly a courtly chap during this time of stately decline. His smile suggests a deeper turmoil. How do you read the eyes?

Held in a gilt frame with foliate.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 32½” x 38” / 83cm x 97cm

Year of creation: c. 1750

Condition: Artwork presents well. One patched repair. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

97cm (38.19")

Width

83cm (32.68")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA977720

Description

This mid-18th-century French oil painting depicts a sophisticated gentleman holding a sealed missive.

With an enigmatic expression, he stands assuredly. Right hand held under his jacket - a symbolic reference to confident leadership. In his left, a letter impressed with his wax seal.

“

He’s a man of words, spending countless hours corresponding - sharing thoughts, policies and philosophies.

Brave Fine Art

fig 1. Mid-18th-Century French School, Portrait Of A Gentleman With A Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting

His outfit resembles that of Louis Duval de l'Épinoy, Lord of Saint-Vrain, in a portrait by Maurice-Quentin de La Tour (1704-1788). Duval de l'Épinoy was an advisor to King Louis XV, a controversial ruler with a poor legacy. Under Louis XV, who’d been King since the age of five, national policy suffered through a lack of decisive governance. Ministers schemed within their own circles and spies became an integral aspect of everyday court life. Chaos ensued while Louis retreated amid an entourage of lovers.

fig 2. Mid-18th-Century French School, Portrait Of A Gentleman With A Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. Mid-18th-century French School, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Sealed Missive - Antique Oil Painting

This particular gentleman was possibly a courtly chap during this time of stately decline. His smile suggests a deeper turmoil. How do you read the eyes?

Held in a gilt frame with foliate.

Medium: Oil on canvas