This 17th-century portrait of a woman was undoubtedly painted by Jean Ducayer, an artist who worked in Paris between 1605 and 1635, specialising in court portraits and depictions of ladies of high rank. Although this artist remains relatively unknown, the few works attributed to him give an insight into the characteristics of his painting. His portraits, often small in size, embody the codes of aristocratic portraiture and perfectly illustrate the refined aesthetics of the French Renaissance. His work also reveals his fascination with the Mona Lisa: the dark clothing, three-quarter posture and serene expression of the model are direct references to this masterpiece. He thus painted members of the aristocracy in the likeness of the Mona Lisa.
Portrait of a distinguished young man, dressed in refined clothing and with a poetic gaze. Painted in soft tones ranging from brown to green, the painting depicts him in three-quarter profile, standing under a tree, looking towards the viewer. He stands out against a landscape that subtly reveals, in the distance, the castle he owns; undoubtedly a testament to his distinction and nobility. The whole is framed by a gilded wooden frame imitating porphyry.
Large oil on canvas depicting a little girl holding a goldfinch on a leash, watched by a spaniel, against a landscape background.
This painting corresponds to a type of child portrait created in aristocratic circles in the 18th century.
French or Dutch School
18th century
Two Sisters and Their Toys, circa 1775
A pair of paintings depicting two young sisters in an elegant interior, captured in a moment of play.
One is shown holding a cage and a small bird, while the other is depicted with her favorite doll and a few other toys. These attributes, rare in painting of the period, lend an intimate and lively dimension to the scene.
Both children are dressed in elegant gowns, richly adorned with lace and ribbons. Both are depicted standing in refined interiors, one with a console table and a gilded mirror, the other with a piece of furniture and a curtain, suggesting the opulence and comfort of their family environment.
The portrait of a child became a popular genre in Europe during the 16th century, and it was during the Enlightenment that it flourished in France. However, young subjects were still often subject to the conventions of official portraiture,
showing them in their most refined guise.
Until the end of the Middle Ages, depictions of children were rare and always modest in the 16th century.
Moreover, the child is never alone, unless it is an exceptional child, such as a royal child or the Infant Jesus.
The painting shown is of high quality and extremely rare because the children are depicted with toys. This pair of paintings can offer us a glimpse into the realities and daily lives of children in the 18th century.
18th-century gouache on vellum depicting three children playing and a leaping dog, set against a green landscape with balustrades, Medici vases, and a pretty pink sky. The children appear to be arranging a large bouquet, as suggested by the basketful of flowers and petals scattered on the ground.
Oil on wood depicting a woman in front of a mirror applying a beauty mark, signed Henri Lafon and dated, original wood and stucco frame.
Henri LAFON (active in France in the second half of the 19th century).
19th century,
France
Embroidery on the back of the mirror depicts a religious marriage of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph.
Northern Italy or France
Late 18th century
Oil on canvas, portrait of a child playing with a dog.
Northern School
18th century
She is wearing a dressing gown: an elegant indoor garment very fashionable at the time. This garment is inspired by French fashion. Her hairstyle, typical of the 1670s–1680s, adopts the “hurluberlu” style.
Oil on copper depicting the Holy Family Panciatichi – or Holy Family with the Child John, in a gilt carved wooden frame.
17th century
Tuscan School