Marianne Loir was a female portraitist active around the middle of the 18th century. She is thought to have been a pupil Jean Marc Nattier (1685-1766) who was famous in this genre. It has been suggested that Loir copied elements of this painting from works by Nattier, including the pose of the sitter’s hands.
The unknown sitter is represented in his library whilst writing a letter. The leather bound books, some of which are inscribed Dictionnaire de ..., and silver writing implements denote him as a man of knowledge and high social status; an impression emphasized by his gold-embroidered coat, lace cuffs and powdered wig.
- TitlePortrait of a Gentleman writing a letter
- Object numberB.M.354
- Collection
- Creator
- Production placeFrance
- Date1745 - 1755
- Production period18th century
- School/styleFrench
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions
- Length: 112 cm
- Width: 86.7 cm
- Length: With frame 138 cm
- Width: With frame 112 cm
- Depth: With frame 10 cm