Portrait Of A Gentleman C.1780; Circle Of Antoine Vestier (1740-1824)

Painted just prior to the French Revolution, this beautifully rendered ‘society portrait’ depicts a charismatic young gentleman wearing a fine blue crimson lined jacket with large covered buttons, a stock, and a sheer frill down the front of his shirt. The powdered wig is tied in the back with a large queue. These fashionable yet restrained clothes speak visually to his social status. There is a real sense of the sitter’s gentle character. France greatly excelled in the arts during the 18th century, producing some of the highest quality and most sought after works. Antoine Vestier (1740-1824) was from a family of Avallon merchants, originally from Troyes. At a young age he his talent in painting garnered the attention of the wealthy noble, the Count of Chastellux. Thanks to him, he was able to leave his native Burgundy around 1758 and settle in Paris studying with Jean-Baptiste Pierre. He painted mainly portraits and was well known for his exquisite small-scale works. After 1766 he became the painter of the powerful d'Hozier family and in 1774 he exhibited at the Salon of the Académie de St Luc. Two years later he travelled to London and it is believed he was a friend of Thomas Gainsborough. Vestier exhibited at the Salon de la Correspondance and later became a member of the Royal Academy of Painting in 1785 which is the same year he was back working in Paris. He later held the prestigious position of painter to the French King. His work is held in many museums most notably in his native France. Held in a 18th century gilded frame. Provenance: French private collection