Bidspirit auction | Circle of Jean-Baptiste Van Loo

Circle of Jean-Baptiste Van Loo (Aix-en-Provence, 1684 – Paris, 1745) - Large portrait of a lady - Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 91.5 × 73.5 cm (30F frame format). An important and rare Regency-era portrait depicting a young woman from French high society, portrayed frontally and in half-length. She is richly attired in a shimmering silk dress with a lace neckline and sleeves, covered by a midnight blue cloak lined with red fabric—a chromatic device of great visual and symbolic effect. The work belongs to the typology of the so-called tableau de couloir, that is, a painting designed to be viewed from the side, highly prized by the great collectors of the 18th century. Although its chronology and the quality of the drapery might link it to the circle of Nicolas de Largillière, the composition displays a sweetness and elegance clearly associated with the Van Loo circle, particularly evoking Jean-Baptiste Van Loo, as well as other prominent members of the family. The quality of execution is unquestionable: the delicate treatment of the flesh tones and fabrics stands out, as does the virtuosity in the depiction of the hands and hair, the fluid movement of the rich drapery, and finally, the luxurious jewels, which lend the work a spectacular character. The whole is fully representative of the great academic portraits of the French nobility from the early 18th century. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.