This is a fine example of French painting from the first third of the 17th century. It presents a high-society woman, probably Madame d’Arjuzon, in an elegant and noble pose, dressed in rich finery and adorned with sumptuous jewels. Her oval face and soft expression are characteristic of the aesthetic of the period, with particular attention to the subtle details of the features and the illusion of skin texture.
The costume of this lady is typical of 17th-century fashions: the brown velvet dress is decorated with gold embroidery, accentuating the high status of the sitter. The bodice is decorated with pearls, as are the necklace and earrings, adding a touch of additional refinement. Around the neck, a delicate lace collar seems to be meticulously painted to capture the finesse of this finery.
This type of portrait is often confused with the works of Jean Ducayer or, more rarely, Jean I Le Blon, due to the similarity of techniques and stylistic elements. However, the recent rediscovery of some more definitely attributed works, as well as archival documents, has allowed these portraits to be better classified among Deruet’s productions.
Here his refined palette and precision in detail show his skill in immortalizing the French elite in all its grandeur.
France
17th century
Height: 52.5 cm
Width: 44.5 cm
