A framed Rococo melodramatic European drawing of a Woman with her Back Turned by Nicolas Lancret

Nicolas Lancret

Paris, France; first-half of the 18th century

Black crayon on paper

Approximate size: 5 x 8.5 in. (drawing); 15.5 x 19.5 in. (with frame)

The present black crayon drawing is a study attributed to Nicolas Lancret, a French painter of the Rococo period known for his capacities in reflecting the comedy, tastes and manners of French Society under the reign of the Duke of Orleans and King Louis XV.

Lancret frequently depicted scenes of French noble life, namely balls, fairs and weddings. His exquisite style, using flowing lines and harmonious palettes, secured his popularity as a well-demanded painter of his period.

Works related to this drawing can be found at the Besançon Museum of Fine Arts and the Musee Carnavalet in Paris.

Condition: Very good and commensurate with age. Minor staining along the margins, the lower right corner truncated.

Provenance: collection of L.E. de Kenner, London (1934); Christie's London, Lot 172, 10 January 1972; Jeannot R. Barr Gallery, NY; collection of David Lelavi, Montreal; and presently in an American private collection.