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(circle of) Nicolas de Largillierre
"Mme de Noirmont", Oil on Canvas Portrait, circa 18th Century

c. 18th Century

About the Item

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY This painting titled "Mme de Noirmont" is an oil on canvas work from the studio of Nicolas de Largilliere, one of the most prolific and esteemed French portrait painters of the 18th century. Though titled "Mme de Noirmont", this work is separate from the full-length portraits that were most famously composed for the de Noirmont family. The painting by itself is 17.75 in x 14.5 in. This painting has a significant provenance, having been in the possession of Elizabeth Vanderkloot, née Heagan, at the turn of the 20th century, who had married into the steel magnate Vanderkloot (or Van der Kloot) family of Chicago through Matthew Vanderkloot, son of the steel magnate Adrian Vanderkloot (born Adrianus Van der Kloot). In 1971 she willed the portrait to her daughter in law, Clara Vanderkloot, née Knudsen. Clara Vanderkloot was the daughter of three-star Lt. General and president of General Motors William S. Knudsen as well as the sister of Ford Motors president "Bunkie" Knudsen. The painting then passed into the possession of Karen DiChiera, née Vanderkloot, the daughter of Clara, and wife of David DiChiera, longtime friends and benefactors of the Detroit Opera Theatre with David DiChiera being its founding general director. Nicolas de Largillière, born in Paris in 1656, was unrivaled in the portraits he composed in his lifetime. His work primarily catered to and focused on the emerging French bourgeoisie and its aldermen, lawyers and financiers, especially in Paris. His work is best remembered in the family portraits he painted, which is where his artistic talents really shined. Largillière received his education in art from his apprenticeship to the still-life and genre painter, Antoine Goubaud. In 1673 he was accepted as a Master Painter in Antwerp, after which he went to England where he worked with Peter Lely between 1674 and 1680. In England was employed to do some minor work by the superintendent of the King's buildings (which included the restoration of Windsor Castle) He left England in 1679 and returned to France. His early work in France reflect the influence of the Flemish court painting he learned in Antwerp. Largillière secured his position in France's Academie in 1686 with his portrait of Charles Le Brun, which can now be viewed in the Louvre. Largillière is often synonymous with his usage of informal poses in portraits and the texture and atmosphere that comes to life with his rich palette. In 1709, he was tasked with painting the family portrait for King Louis XIV. Notable to the painting is the uneasiness displayed on the king in contrast to the other family members. In the latter part of his career he painted King Augustus II of Poland, the artist Jacques-Antoine Arlaud, "The Study of Different Types of Hands" which is presently within the Louvre, and the portrait of the famous writer Voltaire. Three years before his death in 1746 he was made the chancellor of the French Academy. His work continues to be exhibited all around the world, with his Portrait of Catherine Coustard with her Son Léonor being exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, his Portrait of an officer in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, his portrait of Helene Lambert de Thorigny in the Honolulu Museum of Art, and his An Alderman of Paris in The Detroit Institute of Arts. Largillière's influence could be felt for centuries to come, and his studio and circle continued to paint in their master's style, giving us a glimpse into the persistent influence of one of the greatest portrait painters of all time.
  • Creator:
  • Creation Year:
    c. 18th Century
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Piece was completely cleaned and revarnished by Kenneth Katz, M.A. Conservation, fellow of the International Institute for Conservation, of Conservation and Museum Services Inc.
  • Gallery Location:
    Detroit, MI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU128616870602
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