Antoine Pesne (1683-1757) – The Orientalist De La Croze Part 1

The portrait presents a man seated in what appears to be a study or library setting. He is depicted from the waist up, facing slightly towards the viewers left. The subject possesses a substantial build and wears a dark, richly textured coat with red velvet sleeves, indicative of a certain social standing. A voluminous, powdered wig dominates his head, a common fashion marker for men of the period. His expression is one of quiet contemplation, perhaps even mild amusement; he gazes directly at the viewer with an assuredness that suggests both intelligence and authority.
The artist has arranged several elements to reinforce the subject’s intellectual pursuits. He rests his hand upon a large, open book, its pages filled with dense script – likely Persian, given the context of the work. The presence of numerous books stacked behind him further emphasizes this scholarly association. These volumes are rendered with a degree of detail that suggests their importance as symbols of knowledge and learning.
The lighting in the painting is carefully controlled; it illuminates the subject’s face and hands while leaving much of the background shrouded in shadow. This technique draws attention to his features and gestures, highlighting his role as the central figure. The dark backdrop also serves to isolate him, creating a sense of gravitas and importance.
Subtly, the painting conveys an image of European engagement with Eastern cultures. The presence of the Persian text on the book suggests a focus on Oriental studies, hinting at the subject’s expertise in this area. This aligns with the broader historical context of burgeoning European interest in non-Western societies during the eighteenth century. The overall impression is one of a man who embodies both erudition and social prominence, actively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge about distant lands.