PARIS.- On 15 February 2022, the Old Master & 19th Century department at Artcurial will present: One hundred portraits for a Century.

This collection is a testament to the splendour of 18th century France, a period when French painting, architecture, literature and fashion were flourishing and spreading their influence worldwide.

Across this collection of personalities from the Age of Enlightenment, there are members of the Royal family, figures from the Court of Versailles, the law and the military, peasants and prelates, all beautified by great artists such as Louis-Michel van Loo, Joseph-Siffrède Duplessis and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.

During the course of acquiring these pieces, the collector made discoveries and identifications with the aid of annotations found on the back of the works. Through extensive research he has been able to authenticate most of the portraits.

The famous 18th century portrait artist, Élisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun, painted several of the portraits in this collection, including that of MarieAntoinette, Queen of France (40 000 - 60 000 €) as well as the portrait of Joseph Hyacinthe François de Paule de Rigaud, Count of Vaudreuil (50 000 - 70 000 €).

This collection of one hundred portraits, assembled with dedication and in-depth research over a period of more than forty years, will be presented for sale by Artcurial on 15 February 2022.

« Lavish plumes and decorations, the models’ elegant and dignified poses : this incredible gallery of portraits plunges us into the 18th century in France during the final hours of the Ancien Régime. Those passionate about the great history of France will be captivated by this collection. We extend an invitation, over four day of viewings, for you to come and meet a royal mistress, a wine-grower and a cardinal! » – Matthieu Fournier, Auctioneer Director of the Old Master & 19th Century Art department, Artcurial