Nicolas de Largilliere (1656-1746)
| Artist Name | Nicolas de Largilliere (1656-1746) |
|---|---|
| Title | Oval Portrait of a Gentleman |
| Description | This superb French Old Master oval portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of Nicolas de Largilliere. Painted circa 1700 it is a half length portrait of a gentleman in a red coat and very ornate waistcoat with his black hat tucked under his arm. One hand is on his hip, the other tucked into his waistcoat. He is wearing a white wig and is gazing directly at the artist/viewer and smiling slightly. This is a very striking portrait with a lovely rich red coloured coat and matching lips. The detail in the waistcoat is exquisite. The ornate gilt oval frame finishes the painting off beautifully. This is an excellent example of a French Old Master oil painting and would grace any room. |
| Provenance | Robin Duff OBE, Meldrum House Hotel, Old Meldrum, Aberdeen (acquired by the early 1980s; Robin Duff was the last Laird of Old Meldrum) Thence by descent to the present owner, niece of the above. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 26 x 34 inches |
| Frame | Framed as an oval, 38 inches by 32 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Nicolas de Largillière, (baptized Oct. 10, 1656, Paris, France—died March 20, 1746, Paris), French historical and portrait painter who excelled in painting likenesses of the wealthy middle classes. Most artists of his time took as their standard of excellence the adherence to Classical models and an emphasis on drawing, while some broke away in favour of the style of Rubens and an emphasis on colour. Trained in Antwerp and showing great admiration for the Flemish masters, Largillière came to be looked upon as a pioneer by those 18th-century artists who followed the later, more modern course. Highly honoured in his lifetime, he was made chancellor of the Academy in 1743. |
| Price | £6000 |
