Portrait Of A Man With Wig And Document In Hand. Late 17th - Early 18th Century

Portrait of a Man with Wig and Document in Hand
Late 17th - early 18th century
Oil on copper
Dimensions: H 16 cm x W 11 cm
School: Italian
Period: Reign of Louis XIV (late 17th - early 18th century)
Frame: Gilded bronze frame from the 19th century with Baroque decorations

This portrait depicts a man wearing a long, wavy wig, a hallmark of aristocratic fashion during the reign of Louis XIV. Wigs, introduced at the French court and quickly adopted across Europe, symbolized social status and sophistication. The man’s attire includes a shirt with an ornate collar and cuffs, possibly made of linen or lace, reflecting the elegance of late 17th-century men’s clothing.
He holds a folded document in his hand, which may represent a manuscript or musical score, hinting at a connection to cultural or administrative circles. The copper support allows for precise detailing and a luminous effect, enhancing the original impact of the painting.
Condition: The painting shows visible losses in the paint layer, but the main features remain legible, offering valuable insight into the fashion and art of the period.
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