This actor portrayed by Jean-Baptiste Van Loo cuts a fine figure. And he is about to mount the auction stage to fresh applause.
Jean-Baptiste Van Loo (1684-1745), Portrait of an actor, oil on canvas, 80 x 63.5 cm (approx. 31.5 x 25 in). Estimate: €40,000/60,000
Jean-Baptiste Van Loo (1684-1745), Portrait of an actor, oil on canvas, 80 x 63.5 cm (approx. 31.5 x 25 in). Estimate: €40,000/60,000
In 1758, Empress Elisabeth of Russia sent an unusual request through diplomatic channels to Louis XV. To add to the troupe of French actors who had been performing in St Petersburg for the past fifteen years, she asked the king to "lend" her Lekain and Mademoiselle Clairon, the two leading actors of the Comédie-Française (A state-owned theater founded by King Louis XIV in 1680). Beyond the realm of anecdote, this information proves that star status is not a contemporary idea, but was…
We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience, perform site traffic analysis, and deliver content and advertisements most relevant to your interests.
Cookie management:
By allowing these cookies, you agree to the deposit, reading and use of tracking technologies necessary for their proper functioning. Read more about our privacy policy.
Print the article
