Mademoiselle De Nantes, Circle Of Pierre Gobert Around 1700

Presumed portrait of Mademoiselle de Nantes Circle of Pierre Gobert (1662–1744) French school, circa 1690–1710
Oil on canvas, oval format, later mounted on a wooden panel.
Carved and gilded wooden frame from the Louis XIV or Regency period

This delicate oval portrait depicts a young woman with a gentle face and fair complexion, wearing a bodice richly embroidered with pearls and gold thread, topped with a coat lined with ermine fur. Her high, backcombed hairstyle, typical of the fashion at the end of the reign of Louis XIV, is treated with lightness. The neutral background and the frontal gaze accentuate the elegance of the face.

The style evokes Pierre Gobert, the official portraitist of the princesses of the court, very active under Louis XIV and the Regency. Although this work does not appear to be autograph, it faithfully captures his characteristics: softness of features, attention to detail in the costume, and discreet idealization of the model. This is likely a work from her immediate circle, perhaps executed in her studio.

The traditional identification of the model as Louise-Françoise de Bourbon, known as Mademoiselle de Nantes (1673–1743), is based on comparisons with other portraits of the princess. The legitimated daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, she became Duchess of Bourbon through her marriage to the grandson of the Grand Condé. An influential figure at court and patron of the arts, she was often depicted in official or court portraits, such as this one, intended for collection or diplomatic gifts.

Beautiful original frame.

Note that the canvas has been separated from its stretcher to be mounted on an isorel-type wooden panel.

Dimensions with frame 55x44 cm