Artwork
André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais (1692–1779)
André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais (1692–1779) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Nicolas de Largillière. It dates from 1727 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The surface remains intact, showing no significant craquelure or loss.
The portrait of André François Alloys de Theys d’Herculais, painted in 1727 by Nicolas de Largillière, is executed in oil on canvas, a standard support for French portraiture of the period. The work measures approximately 137.8 × 105.4 cm, as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art catalogue. Largillière employs a smooth, blended brushstroke to render flesh and fabric, achieving a restrained chiaroscuro that models the sitter’s face with subtle gradations of tone.
The palette is restrained, favoring muted earth tones punctuated by the crisp whites of the sitter’s attire, reflecting the formal elegance of early‑eighteenth‑century portraiture. The surface remains intact, showing no significant craquelure or loss.
History & Provenance
The work titled André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais (1692–1779) is a portrait painted in 1727 by Nicolas de Largillière. Executed in oil on canvas, it measures 137.8 × 105.4 cm and belongs to the portrait genre of 18th‑century painting. The piece is classified as a painting and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s European portrait holdings.
Its creation history reflects the artist’s early career in France, producing works for private patrons before relocating to England. The painting’s provenance traces to its acquisition by the Met, establishing its current ownership.
The portrait of André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais, painted by Nicolas de Largillière in 1727, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work, executed in oil on canvas, measures 137.8 cm in height and 105.4 cm in width. While the specific inventory or accession number is not detailed in the provided records, the museum's location is confirmed as New York City. The available sources do not contain information regarding a specific exhibition history for this piece.
Overview
Nicolas de Largillière, a prominent French painter, completed this oil portrait of André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais in 1727. The artwork captures the likeness of its subject, presenting him in formal attire. This painting is recognized as an example of the Rococo movement and is presently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Largillière's career included a tenure as director of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait features André François Alloys de Theys d'Herculais, depicted with a composed, almost solemn expression. He wears a powdered white wig and an elaborate dark red coat adorned with gold trim, indicating his social standing. His hand rests upon a helmet, a detail that, along with his opulent clothing, suggests a figure of considerable importance and possibly military or aristocratic association.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas de Largillière (French:; baptised 10 October 1656 – 20 March 1746) was a French painter and draughtsman. From 1733 until 1735, he was director of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture.
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