Masterfully poretrait of a noble girl ( Marie-Antoinette ? ) was executed in 18th century and despite the fact that it is not signed, the manner and style of painting, this typical subject gives all cryteria to attribute this work to the hand of famous French portrait painter of 18th century François-Hubert Drouais ( 1727 - Paris - 1775). For comparison with numerous portraits of F. Drouais see his portrait gallery in google and wikipedia.François-Hubert Drouais (December 14, 1727 – October 21, 1775) was important French painter and the father of Jean Germain Drouais. Drouais was born and died in Paris. He specialized in portraits of of the French nobility, foreign aristocrats, writers, and other artists. He was a pupil of Donat Nonnotte. Some of his portraits include Louis XIV´ s last two mistresses Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry respectively. HE EVEN PAINTED THE YOUNG MARIE ANTOINETTE. His works situate in the best museums around the world: Ermitage,St.Petersburg, Louvre, London National Gallery, Detroit Institute of Art and others.Provenance: private estate in Paris.

Literature: Thieme/Becker "Allgemeines Künstlerlexikon", Leiptig, 1999; Friedrich von Boetticher "Malerwerke des 19. Jahrhunderts", p. 724, under No.3, Leipzig, 1892; (in French" Artist Lexicon" by Benezit, Paris,1999.

Inscription: unsigned.

Technique: oil on canvas, painted in oval. Luxuriousy original period gold-plated frame.

Measurements: unframed w 18 1/8" x 22 " (46 x56 cm); framed 23 1/4" x 27 1/4" (59 x 69 cm)

Condition: overall in very good condition, professional cleaned, original canvas, two small patches in unimportant areas.