Follower of Hyacinthe Rigaud – Portrait of an Artist

Portrait of an Artist

Oil on copper; held in a period style frame.

Dimensions refer to outer framed size.

This fascinating portrait of an artist in front of his easel, catches him momentarily whilst sketching an outline on the canvas. Dating to the early eighteenth century it is very similar to the larger works of the great French Baroque painter Hyacinthe Rigaud, indeed this almost being identical to his self portrait of 1698. It has been suggested that it could be a depiction of Jean Ranc, Rigaud’s ablest and devoted follower.