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Still-life, attributed to Desportes A-F, oil on canvas, 18th century
$174,027.90
£130,012.24
€147,000
CA$242,325.15
A$260,364.88
CHF 139,685.23
MX$3,067,398.31
About the Item
Alexandre-François Desportes (1661–1743)
Attributed to
“Déjeuner Gras” (Still Life with Lavish Meal)
Oil on canvas, 18th century
This exceptional 18th-century still life, traditionally known as Déjeuner gras, is attributed to Alexandre-François Desportes, one of the most important French painters of his time, celebrated for his hunting scenes, animal paintings, and sumptuous compositions of abundance created for royal and aristocratic residences.
Official painter to the royal hunts under Louis XIV and Louis XV, Desportes played a central role in the decoration of the most prestigious royal and princely residences, including Versailles, Meudon, Compiègne, Choisy, and Chantilly. His work represents a refined synthesis between the Flemish tradition inherited from his master Nicasius Bernaerts and a distinctly French sensibility, characterized by compositional balance, dramatic yet controlled lighting, and a virtuosic rendering of materials.
Attribution and scholarly references
The attribution of this painting is supported by two independent expert assessments, conducted by recognized specialists in 18th-century French painting, one French and one Russian. Both experts independently linked this work to the documented corpus of Alexandre-François Desportes, based on the composition, palette, and the masterful treatment of surfaces such as glass, silverware, foodstuffs, and vegetation.
The painting fully aligns with the stylistic universe documented in:
Georges de Lastic
Pierre Jacky, Desportes, Catalogue Raisonné, Éditions Monelle Hayot, 2010.
A rare and remarkable feature
This work is particularly distinguished by an exceptional and highly unusual material detail. In the lower right portion of the canvas, beneath the paint layer, one can observe hand-stitched initials directly sewn into the canvas:
the letter “B” on the artichokes,
the letter “D” on the piece of bacon depicted on the silver plate.
These initials most likely refer to the Duc de Bourbon, one of Desportes’ most important patrons, for whom the artist executed numerous works between 1730 and 1740, notably for the decoration of the ducal residences, including the Château de Chantilly.
Artistic description
The composition presents a lavish table arrangement combining richly rendered meats, delicate glassware, finely worked silver objects, flowers, and fruit. In keeping with Desportes’ practice, this still life transcends decorative purpose to function as a visual document of aristocratic material culture in 18th-century France, evoking the splendor and ceremonial refinement of courtly life.
The painting is distinguished by:
an exceptional attention to detail,
a sophisticated handling of reflections and transparency,
a controlled yet dramatic use of light,
and a balanced, monumental composition characteristic of large-scale table still lifes created for noble interiors.
Condition and conservation
The painting survives in remarkably good condition considering its age, retaining a consistent and attractive old patina with a natural network of age-appropriate craquelure. Minor historical restorations are visible but stable and discreet, and do not detract from the overall visual impact or readability of the work.
For collectors or institutions wishing to pursue a full conservation treatment, the painting may be entirely restored upon request by one of the restorers of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, with whom we collaborate. The estimated cost for a complete museum-standard restoration is approximately €12,000. This optional service allows the future owner to tailor the conservation approach according to personal or institutional standards.
The painting is presented in an important carved and gilded wood frame of the period, perfectly suited to the painting’s scale, subject, and historical context.
Importance
By virtue of its scale, quality of execution, state of preservation, and above all the presence of rare physical evidence directly associated with the artist and his patron, this still life constitutes a work of major importance. It is equally suited to an advanced private collection, a distinguished decorative setting, or an institutional context.
This painting belongs to the tradition of grand 18th-century table compositions and naturally dialogues with museum works by Desportes, today held in institutions such as the Louvre, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, and the Musée de la Vénerie in Senlis.
- Dimensions:Height: 51.97 in (132 cm)Width: 55.12 in (140 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
- Style:Louis XIV (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Canvas,Oiled
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1730-1739
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1730
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Restauration.
- Seller Location:NICE, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9202244559152
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