This splendid early 18th-century French portrait depicts an elegant lady wearing a sumptuous red silk gown, white lace and dark fur. Painted in around 1725, her appearance places her within the fashionable world of the French Régence, a fascinating period.
Her outfit is particularly striking. Voluminous folds of shimmering crimson silk tumble across her arms, revealing a white chemise edged with delicate lace. A luxurious sweep of dark fur provides a dramatic contrast, while small red ribbons are entwined through her elaborately arranged hair.
During the early 18th century, the homes of the wealthiest French families were becoming increasingly comfortable and sophisticated. Interiors were becoming more intimate, with richly upholstered furniture, mirrors, decorative panelling and candlelight reflecting from gilded surfaces. Social life predominantly revolved around visits with dinners, music, and light conversation, while dress provided an important expression of status. One can imagine our sitter rustling through this world in considerable style.
Yet for all the splendour surrounding her, there's a sense of the underlying personality here. The artist has concentrated on her face, which emerges softly from the dark background. She appears with a calm, slightly knowing expression, and it's this quiet sense of personality that ultimately holds our attention.
Held within an ornate gilt frame.
Medium
Oil on canvas
Overall size
29” x 34” / 73cm x 87cm
Year of creation
c. 1725
Provenance
Private collection, Lyon, France.
Conservation
Professionally conserved, including careful cleaning to reveal the painting’s true colouring and remove accumulated surface grime that can be harmful over time. A protective layer of conservation varnish has also been applied. The paint layer is stable.
Condition
Very presentable for its age. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Craquelure, as one would expect. Frame showing some minor marks and wear consistent with age and use.
Our reference
BRV2328
