Large Fine 18th Century Portrait Of A Lady, French Chateau Provenance

Provenance: Château du Fouillu (Brittany, France), the French aristocratic ‘de Cadaran’ family An exquisite romantic style Rococo highly refined work depicting a beautiful lady amongst an outdoor setting with an atmospheric sky by the French master Jean Baptiste Oudry who was painter to Louis XV. The sitter is a descendant of the aristocratic de Cadaran family and is shown in a white silk dress and shrouded in a flowing blue mantle that rounds out the composition and creates a sense of movement. In her hair are blue and white flowers – the height of fashion – and the artist achieved a psychological depth and animation to the sitter which is a sign of considerable talent and expertise. Rococo works with the soft pastel colours are always highly attractive and sought after. It is easy to see why French 18th century arts and science were preeminent in Europe at the time. The silks, ribbons, lace, flowers, hair, and flesh are defined with lightness and dexterity. The drawing is superb; something Oudry was well known for. In this painting, it is primarily feminine beauty that touches us, evidence that the painter knew how to get to the heart and soul of his subjects. The entire work has been executed to an unrivalled standard and is not only an investment piece but a stunning item to hang on your wall. The painting was in the collection of the French aristocratic de Cadaran family with family seat Chateau du Fouillu. The condition is excellent, as is the beautiful ornate frame. Jean-Baptiste Oudry was one of the most innovative artists of the European eighteenth century. He experimented in areas as divergent as arabesque decoration, portraiture, history/allegory, hunt and still-life painting, and landscapes. As an administrator, he commissioned some of the masterpieces of eighteenth-century tapestry art. Oudry began his studies as an artist with his father, Jacques Oudry who was a master painter and dealer in Paris and director of the Académie de Saint-Luc, the ancient painter’s guild – which enabled Oudry to study. He eventually studied under Nicolas de Largilliere (1656-1746) and became his assisant. Eventually he became a member of the Academy in 1719 as a history painter. He was commissioned by the King of Sweden, the Margrave of Ansbach and the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and almost continuously by Louis XV. Measurements: Height 107cm, Width 91cm framed (Height 42”, Width 36” framed)