Gentleman in Dark Green Coat

When it became part of the Tansey Collection, thisportrait of a gentleman was attributed to Sené. However, we think it morelikely that it originated from the circle of Marie-Thérèse de Noireterre¹since the yellowish colouring with the greenish shades, the sitter’s darklyunderlined eyelashes and the dull colours are found in other works by thisartist. Nevertheless, the contours in this miniature are sharper and theguidance of the brush more delicate, which points to a miniature painter fromher circle.

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