Maurice-Quentin de la Tour

Pastels du 16^e au 21^e siècle, Lausanne, Fondation de l'Hermitage, 2018, cat. no. 12.

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Pastels du 16^e au 21^e siècle, Lausanne, Fondation de l'Hermitage, 2018, cat. n° 12.

An interesting example of a preliminary study in pastel, made to explore a sitter's expression, this portrait study reflects the method used by La Tour in his series of préparations for his finished portraits (see the previous lot). The bold and quickly executed work is characterized by decisive and hatched outlines; the light, falling from the left, is suggested by the abundant use of white heightening. Touches of colored pastels - dark red, black and blue - are scattered around the contours of the head and also used to define the features of the face. Interestingly, the eyes, appear to be of two slightly different colors, so as to achieve a subtle variation and certainly a more interesting gaze.  

A very strong and contrasted image, this study conveys a bold and timeless approach to portraiture, typical of La Tour's great ability to uncover the personalities of his sitters.