"marquise de montespan,
françois de troy (1645 – 1730)
french school of the 17th century, circa 1675-1680
oil on oval-shaped canvas, dim. H. 76 cm, l. 57cm
large louis xiv period frame in gilded and carved wood with berain decoration (later re-gilded)
box: h. 98 cm, l. 78cm
our portrait was examined by mr dominique brême, a specialist in françois de troy, which he will include in the artist's catalog raisonné currently being prepared. Sumptuous portrait of the favorite mistress of king louis xiv between 1667 and 1683, françoise athénaïs de rochechouart de mortemart, marquise de montespan (1640-1707). Known for her dazzling beauty, she is portrayed here in bust, her head slightly turned to the right, her facial expression full of pride bordering on the insolence so characteristic of her effigies. She looks at the viewer with her large azure blue eyes with slightly lowered eyelids, which gives her an air. . . Read more. Languid, accentuated by a sensual mouth. Her mass of curly blond hair is tied carelessly at the back with a row of pearls, and lets out a curly strand which falls over her shoulder. She is dressed in a white blouse decorated with lace revealing a plunging neckline and a magnificent intense blue satin stole. Negligently held by a clasp of sparkling stones, the ends of the scarf barely fit on her shoulders. Its loose fabrics, ready to slide and reveal the charms of the young woman, combined with the spontaneity of the pose and the apparent simplicity, bring a frivolous lightness to the whole. Far from the classic ceremonial portrait, the painter gives us here an intimate and voluptuous version of the king's mistress. ". Date: 17th century. Dimensions: height: 76 cm (29.9 in); width: 57 cm (22.4 in). Medium: painting. Collection: Unidentified location. François de Troy - Portrait de la Marquise de Montespan
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