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Attributed to Louis Tocqué (1696-1772)
Portrait of a Lady of Quality Holding an Orange Blossom
Oil on canvas
Faded and old restoration
Size: 80 x 63.5 cm
Size with frame: 99 x 82.5 cm
Beautiful portrait of a lady with an interesting symbolic bearing. The orange blossom is a traditional representation of marriage and eternal love in art, but it also alludes to youth and freshness.
Louis Tocqué (1696-1772)
Born in 1696, Tocqué was orphaned at the age of 10 and taken in by Nattier. Trained by Bertin, he perfected his portraiture with Hyacinthe Rigaud. He became a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1720 and pursued a brilliant career as a portrait painter, receiving numerous commissions from members of the French aristocracy and royalty. He then moved on to the Russian court, working for Empress Elisabeth and then the Danish court.
He was renowned for his ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects with great skill and sensitivity.
Tocqué captured the model's understated charm and elegance.
His works were highly sought-after by collectors of the time, and his reputation led to his appointment as official portraitist to the French court in 1746.
The artist's works can be found in numerous museums: Louvre, MBA Tours, Musée de la chasse...
Ref: 9EPFKE0S5I