Portrait Of An 18th Century Aristocrat

Provencal school depicting a wigged aristocrat dating from the late Louis xvı period.
Sitting at his writing table, he is writing a letter with a pen.
To his right, his red Moroccan writing case, containing inkwells, sealing wax and paper, is open. His coat of arms is surmounted by a motto.
In his left hand, he holds a leather-bound book on military art.
On his little finger is an oval diamond ring, the center of which, against an enamel background, probably features his initials. They almost subliminally evoke a fleur-de-lys, like a royalist symbol.
He wears a striped frock coat typical of the late Louis xvı period,. attached to it ,a Maltese cross.
His pale yellow Naples breeches are reminiscent of those suede models beginning to appear at this time.
His vest embroidered with flowers and bows, complete with a jabot and lace sleeves, is typically Louis xvı.
The painting is on its original canvas, in its period gilded wooden frame.
Note some retouching and reworking with a lightening of the old varnishes.
Despite some naivety,the painting exudes great charm.
Dimensions including frame
Height 97.5 cm
Width 78.5 cm
Overall dimensions
Height 91 cm
Width 72 cm