Charles Lepeintre

CHARLES LEPEINTRE (France, 1735-1803).
"Portrait of a lady", 1763.
Oil on canvas.
Relined.
Signed and dated in the central right area.
Measurements: 81 x 65 cm; 94 x 78 cm (frame).

Rococo style portrait of a young aristocrat. The work is centered in the sumptuous dress, covered with brocades, that transmits the social status of the lady. The young woman looks directly at the viewer with a calm expression and a slight smile. Her hair is powdered, following the fashion of the nobility at the time. She wears it up and adorned with flowers and jewels. She wears a tight-fitting pale blue bodice, made of a rich fabric with floral motifs embroidered in shades of gold and blue. The dress has a low, square neckline, bordered by a delicate lace ruffle. The sleeves, typical of the period, reach to the elbow and end in several layers of elaborate ruffles of fine, translucent lace. Prominent pearl jewelry matches the choker. Her right hand delicately holds suede gloves. The background is dark and neutral, which helps to model the figure. On the right, a heavy green velvet drapery is visible, gathered with a large golden tassel, a common compositional element in portraits of the period to add a sense of opulence and scenery.

Charles Lepeintre was a French painter. His grandson was the painter Charles-Philippe Larivière. His work is preserved in the Palais Royal in Paris.