A Young Lady Of Quality Depicted As Flora. Workshop Of Nicolas De Largillierre (1656-1746)

Presumed portrait of the Duchess of Chevreuse (not Marie Aimée de Rohan). Oil on canvas. Superb 17th-century frame in finely carved and gilded wood, a rare "floral corner" style. Dimensions with frame: 104 x 88 cm. Canvas: 82 x 65 cm. This beautiful portrait, executed around 1695 and focused on the sitter, is striking for its tranquil and serene expression, which gives the face a particularly lifelike quality. The importance of the figure is emphasized by a yellow velvet dress adorned with fine silver embroidery and flowers tucked into the neckline. The shoulders are covered by a red velvet stole lined with gold embroidery on a silver background. Her hairstyle, typical of the period, is described as "à la fontange," but with the addition of red ribbons and a few flowers; this detail suggests that this young lady had herself depicted as Flora, the goddess of spring. The background is a sunset landscape with a deep blue sky and two clusters of trees on either side. This painting was created by the workshop of Nicolas de Largillierre (1656-1746), a painter of high society in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Trained in Antwerp, he worked in London (where Lely taught him about Van Dyck), then settled in Paris (1682). A protégé of Le Brun, he became the official painter of the city of Paris and the leading portraitist of the bourgeoisie, with a supple and brilliant style. His portraits depict members of this high society during the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV. This one is a characteristic example. Largillierre was a painter of multiple talents, equally at ease with still lifes, historical paintings, landscapes, and portraits; his technical mastery allowed him to play with textures, colors, and light without making it a cold exercise. His portraits retain a vitality and sensitivity that make him one of the great painters of the reign of Louis XIV and the Regency. In excellent condition. Sold with a detailed invoice and certificate of authenticity.