Overdoor (1) France, 18th Century, Work Of A Follower Of Christophe Huet.

This decorative panel in shades of blue illustrates a gallant rural scene typical of 18th-century taste. In a wooded landscape, several figures in Louis XV costumes are engaged in elegant games: a lady curtsying, a young man in a tricorn hat, a seductive couple seated, and a musician playing the tambourine. The elongated rectangular format, the old mounting on canvas and period stretcher confirm that this is a painting originally designed to be integrated into woodwork. It was intended to adorn an overdoor or a trumeau within a paneled setting. With its pastoral theme and refined execution in monochrome shades, this work follows in the footsteps of Christophe Huet (1700–1759), a sought-after 18th-century painter and decorator, who created numerous ensembles of chinoiserie and pastoral scenes for French aristocratic residences. Oil on its original canvas, mounted on its period softwood stretcher, assembled with mortise and tenon joints and secured with forged nails. Molded and lightly carved wooden frame, 18th century. Dimensions: Height 77 cm Width 109 cm. This painting is part of a set of three panels, all from a castle in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. It is presented here independently. Very good condition, painting restored a few years ago.