Miniature Portrait Of The Marquis De Marigny / Late 18th – Early 19th Century

A very fine miniature portrait painted on a silver plate, preserved in its original mount. The sealed copper frame, as well as the copper back bearing the engraving "Marquis de Marigny," form an antique, homogeneous, and authentic ensemble. The glass is original. The state of preservation is remarkable.

This miniature depicts Abel-François Poisson de Vandières, Marquis de Marigny (1727–1781), brother of the famous Marquise de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. A central figure at court, he was appointed Director General of the King's Buildings, overseeing major royal construction projects and the kingdom's artistic policy.

The work is an extremely faithful reproduction of the famous portrait painted by Louis Tocqué, now in the Marquise de Pompadour's apartment at the Palace of Versailles. It features the same noble and symbolic pose: the Marquis, his hand resting on a desk, before architectural plans evoking his high office. The graphic quality is remarkable. The drawing is precise, the modeling delicate, the palette subtle.

The finesse of execution testifies to a miniaturist of great talent. Every detail is treated with care, from the rendering of textures to the facial expression, giving the whole an exceptional presence and elegance.

The figure wears a powdered wig, a red velvet coat trimmed with fur, and a lace cravat, attributes characteristic of the 18th-century aristocracy. He also displays the insignia of the Order of the Holy Spirit and the blue ribbon across his shoulder, symbols of his rank and his close ties to the court. The background, composed of columns and drapery, reinforces the solemn and prestigious character of the scene.

The work is unsigned, which is common for this type of miniature. Its exceptional craftsmanship, pristine condition, and faithful reproduction of the original design suggest a date in the late 18th or early 19th century.

This prestigious historical piece, both refined and decorative, evokes the elegance and splendor of the court of Louis XV. A rare collector's item steeped in history, it will appeal to discerning enthusiasts and demanding collectors alike.

Plaque dimensions : H: 9.5 cm; W: 7.8 cm
Frame dimensions: H: 10.2 cm; W: 8.4 cm