Jean-Baptiste van Loo
(French, 1684-1745)
Portrait of a Noblewoman, early 18th c.
Oil on canvas, 26-1/2” x 22”
Gift of Himan Brown
68.14.1
Taught art by his father and spending most of his career in France, vanLoo mastered the descriptive painting technique that allowed him to convincingly depict flesh, satin, fur, velvet, etc. as well as capturing a pleasing likeness. This was necessary to secure patronage with royalty and high society. Male subjects in this group might be shown with various telling props like books, maps, oriental rugs etc.; ostensibly attesting to their wealth, taste and knowledge.