Oil Painting On Canvas, Portrait Of A Woman From The Provincial Bourgeoisie, 18th Century

Unframed oil on canvas, three-quarter bust portrait of a woman in the style of the 18th century, probably the Louis XV period. Composition and subject: Her expression is gentle, her hair powdered and styled in a high updo typical of the 18th century, adorned with small gilt jewels. She holds a small flower between her fingers, a delicate gesture that enhances the elegance and femininity of the portrait. She wears a sumptuous court dress. The bodice is made of golden-yellow satin with a wide bow at the bust. The square neckline is edged with very fine white lace, over which hangs a ceremonial coat or jacket of dark fabric, richly embroidered with colorful floral motifs: pink, blue, yellow, and green. The sleeves are also finished with white lace. A yellow silk ribbon is tied as a lavallière around her neck, from which hangs a thin necklace with a small stone. The background is dark and neutral, in shades of gray and blue, which makes the figure and the vibrant colors of the garment stand out. The costume, hairstyle, ribbon at the neck and floral embroidery place this work in the second half of the 18th century, around 1750-1780. It is probably the portrait of a woman from the nobility or the upper middle class.