Oval Portrait of a Gentleman, French School, circa 1700
(Circle of Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743))
Portrait of a gentleman as an officer of the King’s Household. Oil on canvas, oval format. In its precious period Louis XIV frame of carved and gilded wood decorated with Baroque foliage and scrolls.
This magnificent three-quarter portrait captures the ideal of the “gentleman” and the nobility of the sword at the end of Louis XIV’s reign. The young aristocrat displays the ceremonial codes of the Court: powdered complexion, cheeks enhanced with rouge, and an imposing “in-folio” wig.
He wears the bright red cloth doublet of the senior officers of the Crown’s elite corps, sumptuously embellished with silver braid and chased buttons. The collar is adorned with a fine lace cravat, while the left arm holds a black felt tricorn hat trimmed with a delicate plume.
A work of great distinction, remarkable for the freshness of its flesh tones, the brilliance of its trimmings, and the integrity of its superb original frame.
Illegible inscription on the upper part.
French School, circa 1700
Dimensions with frame:
105 cm x 90 cm
Dimensions without frame:
80 cm x 66 cm
