Portrait Of An Architect Circa 1720

Portrait of a middle-aged man wearing a long, high powdered wig, depicted from the waist up, wearing a brown coat with gold buttons, a jabot shirt, and lace cuffs. He is holding a compass and a large architectural plan depicting, unusually, the drawing of an ornamental staircase. The figure is seated in front of a neutral background, leaning on a beautiful Louis XIV period gilt and carved wooden table.
The composition highlights the symbolic instrument of his profession—the compass—presumably identifying an architect or engineer. The staircase plan, detailed in its outline, suggests the model's specialization in the design of complex architectural elements.

French School of Eastern France or perhaps German School, first third of the 18th century.

Antique blackened wooden frame with unpainted corners

Good general condition, minor restorations.
Frame 98x79 cm