FRENCH SCHOOL (early 18th century). PORTRAIT OF A FRENCH NOBLEMAN, POSSIBLY PHILLIP II, DUKE D'ORLEANS, Oil on canvas - 13 3/4 in. x 10 1/4 in. Estimate $700-900
Property of a European gentleman of royal title, collaterally descended from Marie Antoinette.
Old lining. Heavy darkened varnish. Craquelure throughout (mostly horizontal) with a 3 in. vertical split in canvas to left of his face, puncture tear with losses in hair to right of face, small round hole top center. Canvas is somewhat rippled. UV: No apparent inpainting, but extremely heavy varnish makes detection difficult. framed in simple scoop frame possibly 19th century, that has been repainted in gold.
