FRENCH SCHOOL CA. 1700 - PORTRAIT OF A MAN BY RIGAUD - CHARCOAL-WHITE CHALK

Description

From a collection in Paris, is this stunning French portrait drawing, dating back to ca. 1700.
The drawing, executed in charcoal and white chalk on blue laid paper, depicts a portrait of a French nobleman, in our opinion Joseph Jean Baptiste Fleuriau d'Armenonville (1661-1728), an important French politician during the reign of Louis XIV.
The drawing, squared for transfer, was (without any doubt) a preparatory study for a larger scale portrait painting.
Backside : some later inscriptions.
Authorship : the drawing is from the French School of the Louis XIV period.  Below, there is an old inscription "dessine par monsieur Rigaut".  We think, looking at the quality of this drawing, Hyacinthe Rigaud must have been the author of this fine drawing.
Hyacinthe Rigaud (Perpignan 1659 - Paris 1743) : French painter, draughtsman of the Baroque era.   Hyacinthe Rigaud and his friendly rival Nicolas de Largillière were their era's leading portraitists, but Rigaud painted aristocrats while Largillière concentrated on the wealthy bourgeoisie.  Their differing approaches reflect their clients' status.  Rigaud's sitters are shown in elegant stances of natural superiority.  They are members of society whose costumes and gestures describe their function within the state.  He combined Anthony van Dyck's prototypes and opulent style with Philippe de Champaigne's stiff, linear formality.  In his unofficial portraits, however, Rigaud's interest in realism and character displays the influence of Rembrandt van Rijn.
Rigaud studied in Montpellier and Lyon before arriving in Paris in 1681.  He won the Prix de Rome in 1682 but on Charles Le Brun's advice did not go to Italy.  In 1688 Rigaud's flattering, graceful portrait of King Louis XIV's brother brought him favor at court.  His subjects included dignitaries at Versailles, visiting royalty, prominent artists, and church and military leaders.  His studio employed both part-time specialists and full-time assistants like Jean-Marc Nattier.  They often copied his portraits, which Rigaud touched up as necessary.  Elected to the Académie Royale as a history painter in 1700, Rigaud later taught there.
Period : ca. 1700-1710.
Size : 16x15,8cm.
Condition : Good.  Some scattered dirt throughout.  Corners missing.  Laid down on a paper support (an old 19th century engraving).  Unframed.
Shipping : flat shippingrate 16$.  Shipped as International Registered Mail (with trackingn°).  Combined shipping available.