Gentleman in Dark Green Coat

When it became part of the Tansey Collection, this portrait of a gentleman was attributed to Sené. However, we think it more likely that it originated from the circle of Marie-Thérèse de Noireterre¹ since the yellowish colouring with the greenish shades, the sitter’s darkly underlined eyelashes and the dull colours are found in other works by this artist. Nevertheless, the contours in this miniature are sharper and the guidance of the brush more delicate, which points to a miniature painter from her circle.

The gentleman’s prominent features are emphasised by the strong grading of light and dark, which gives him an impressive presence. The sitter’s intensive gaze calls on the observer to “make contact” with him.
B. P.