Presumed Portrait Of Françoise Marie De Bourbon, School Of Nicolas De Largillierre, C. 1710–1720

Presumed Portrait of Françoise-Marie de Bourbon, known as the Second Mademoiselle de Blois (1677–1749) School of Nicolas de LARGILLIERRE (1656–1746)
Regency period, circa 1710–1720
Oil on canvas Dimensions:

• Canvas: 80 x 64 cm
• With frame:

This superb three-quarter bust portrait depicts a prominent figure at court, presumably Françoise-Marie de Bourbon, the legitimized daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, who became Duchess of Orléans through marriage.
The work fits perfectly within the output of the studios associated with Nicolas de Largillierre in the early 18th century. It reflects the master’s direct influence in the art of flattering the subject while preserving great princely dignity. The technique is distinguished by a superb mastery of materials, particularly in the sumptuous rendering of the heavy azure-blue velvet cloak lined with a rich bronze-colored fabric—a hallmark of Largillierre’s followers.
The subject sports a high, powdered hairstyle adorned with flowers delicately pinned into her hair. She is dressed in a court gown with a generous neckline accented with lace, held in place by a stiff, laced bodice. The delicacy of the skin tone and the freshness of the two-tone bouquet of flowers pinned to the bodice highlight the refinement characteristic of female portraits from the Regency era.
The work is in excellent condition. The canvas has been recently cleaned and restored, revealing the original freshness of the pigments and the luminosity of the drapery. The painting is enhanced by its imposing, later-period frame made of carved and gilded wood, decorated with scrollwork, shells, and foliage motifs, which beautifully showcases the canvas.