Portrait of a noblewoman with little dog, Louis Michel van Loo (Toulon 1707–Paris 1771)

Louis Michel van Loo (Toulon 1707–Paris 1771) attributable

Portrait of a noblewoman with her little dog

Oil on canvas (79 x 66 cm. – with frame 92 x 78 cm.)

Qualitative portrait depicting an elegant noblewoman of French origins, presumably belonging to the rich court of Versailles during the reign of Louis XV; it is a work that fully reflects the pictorial qualities as well as the refinement of the compositional style of the Frenchman Louis Michel van Loo (1707-1771), one of the most significant portraitists of his time, and for this reason requested by the most noble European courts.

The work, taking up the traditional formula for portraits of members of the aristocracy, shows the portrait in half-length, slightly turned to the right and with her gaze directed at the viewer.

The woman, with a regal bearing, is portrayed here intent on completing the daily beauty ritual, wearing a cape while applying make-up, which must have just been completed as the pink powder on her cheeks can be seen. This luxurious garment reveals a corset with a daring neckline, in silk and lace, and a coral-colored dress ending with wide jabote cuffs. Her hair was styled in French fashion in a hairstyle that highlights her facial features.

Having completed her beauty ritual, the woman is intent on removing her cape with one hand, an elegant gesture that emphasizes her noble pose.

At his side is depicted the small pet dog, sitting on a blue velvet cushion with gold trim.

The canvas could have been created for a wedding, elegantly celebrating the role of a member of the aristocracy. The presence of the domestic animal depicted in her arms had in fact a precise meaning: the loyalty that is such a well-known characteristic of the dog, at the same time declared the virtues of the depicted woman.

Louis Michel van Loo (Toulon 1707–Paris 1771) was the son of the painter Jean Baptiste van Loo, with whom he studied in Rome and Turin. He attended the Paris Academy, at which he won first prize for painting in 1726. In 1728 he returned to Rome, where he met Francois Boucher. In 1732, passing through Turin, he returned to Paris. In 1737 van Loo became court painter in Madrid, succeeding Jean Ranc. In that city in 1752 he was one of the founding members of the Academy of Fine Arts. In 1753 he returned once again to Paris, where he worked in the service of the royal court. In 1765 he was appointed director of the École Royale des Élèves Protegés at the Académie Royale.

The work is presented in an excellent state of conservation, with a gilded wooden frame.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold accompanied by a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law.

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