Portrait of a young man, French school late 18th century

This painting is a very fine copy of the canvas by Alexis Grimou entitled “A Head of a Young Man in Spanish Costume”, which has been preserved at the Musée de Grenoble since 1799. Alexis Grimou, born in Argenteuil in 1678, was a renowned portrait painter at the court of Louis XV.

The work depicts the portrait of a young man shown three-quarter length, his face gently turned toward the viewer. His lively and attentive gaze, along with delicately shaped lips forming a slight smile, conveys an expression that is both gentle and self-assured, reflecting a certain intellectual elegance. His brown hair naturally frames the face and contrasts with the whiteness of his complexion.

The sitter wears a brown garment inspired by Renaissance fashion, paired with a cap made of the same fabric. This sober attire is enhanced by a fine white shirt with a standing collar, the ruffle of which is visible at the neck. The restraint of the costume, combined with the brightness of the shirt, serves to emphasize the face.