Louis Michel van Loo (Toulon 1707– Paris 1771) Attributable Portrait of a noblewoman with her small dog Oil on canvas (79 x 66 cm - framed 92 x 78 cm) A qualitative portrait depicting an elegant noblewoman of French origins, presumably belonging to the rich court of Versailles during the reign of Louis XV; this is a work that fully reflects the pictorial qualities as well as the refinement of the compositional style of the French Louis Michel van Loo (1707-1771), one of the most significant portrait painters of his time, for this reason requested by the most prestigious European courts. The work, taking up the traditional formula for portraits of members of the aristocracy, shows the effigy half-length, slightly turned to the right and with his gaze directed at the viewer. The woman, with a regal bearing, is portrayed here intent on completing her daily beauty ritual, wearing a cape during makeup, which must have just been completed as pink powder is visible on her cheeks. This luxurious garment reveals a corset with a bold neckline, in silk and lace, and a coral-colored dress ending with large jabot cuffs. The hair has been gathered according to French fashion in a hairstyle that highlights the features of the face. Having finished her beauty ritual, the woman is intent on removing her cape with one hand, an elegant gesture that emphasizes her noble pose. At her side is depicted a small companion dog, sitting on a blue velvet cushion with golden trim. The canvas may have been created on the occasion of a wedding, elegantly celebrating the role of a representative of the aristocracy. The presence of the domestic animal depicted in her arms indeed had a precise meaning: the fidelity that is such a well-known characteristic of the dog, at the same time declared the virtues of the effigy. Louis Michel van Loo (Toulon 1707 – Paris 1771) was the son of the painter Jean Baptiste van Loo, with whom he studied in Rome and Turin. He attended the Academy of Paris, where he won first prize for painting in 1726. In 1728 he returned to Rome, where he met Francois Boucher. In 1732, passing through Turin, he returned to Paris. In 1737 van Loo became court painter in Madrid, succeeding Jean Ranc. In that city in 1752 he was one of the founding members of the Academy of Fine Arts. In 1753 he returned once again to Paris, where he worked in the service of the royal court. In 1765 he was appointed director of the École Royale des Élèves Protégés at the Académie Royale. The work is presented in excellent condition, with a gilded wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is sold with a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda in Viale Canella 18, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Also follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/