French school of the 18th century

French school of the 18th century.
"Portrait of a lady".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 75 x 62 cm; 96 x 84 cm (frame).

Bust portrait of a lady of the nobility or high society. The figure is framed within a "feigned oval" (a pictorial technique that simulates an oval frame), a very popular compositional resource in the baroque and rococo period to give elegance and focus attention on the portrayed. The woman looks directly at the viewer with a serene and confident expression. She has dark, curly hair, styled in ringlets that fall to the sides of her face, a very fashionable style at the time.

She wears a luxurious dress with a wide neckline, typical of the rococo period. The dress is made of rich, vibrantly colored fabrics: a deep blue (velvet or silk) on one side and a golden ochre on the other. The neckline is bordered by a fine and delicate white lace.

The lady wears a prominent single-strand pearl necklace. On her right shoulder, a large brooch, also adorned with pearls, gathers a part of the golden fabric and a white cloth.

The artist uses a strong chiaroscuro, another sign of identity of baroque heritage. An intense light, which seems to come from the left, illuminates the woman's face, neck and chest, making her stand out spectacularly against the completely dark and neutral background.

The use of rich, contrasting colors (the deep blue, gold and luminous white of the pearls and skin) creates a dramatic and sumptuous effect. In short, it is a rococo period court portrait, which seeks to capture not only the physical likeness of the model, but also her status, wealth and the elegance of her time.