Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761–1845) – Portrait of a Young Woman

Oil on canvas
Date: circa 1820
Dimensions: 20.5 x 16.5 cm (without frame)

Condition: Some minor abrasions and a few old retouches. Overall in good condition, with patina and aging consistent with its period.

A finely executed portrait of a young woman dressed in a black gown with a lace-trimmed neckline. She wears a double-stranded grey necklace with a golden medallion, while a small jeweled ornament adorns her elegantly styled hair.

Louis-Léopold Boilly: A Portraitist Through Troubled Times

Born in La Bassée in 1761, Louis-Léopold Boilly started his career at a young age, receiving his first commissions in his early teens. In 1785, he moved to Paris, where he became a highly sought-after portraitist, known for his precise depiction of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy.

After the French Revolution, he faced some of the most challenging years of his career. In 1793, he was accused of painting subjects deemed immoral by the Republican authorities. He narrowly avoided condemnation by presenting his Triumph of Marat, now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Lille. Despite these accusations, he continued working and successfully adapted to the political upheavals of his time.

Boilly exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1793 until 1824, becoming a keen artistic observer of his era. This portrait, painted around 1820, is a testament to his mature style, characterized by meticulous execution and an extraordinary attention to detail.

Frame

Frame: 20th-century wooden and glass frame.