Préparation for a Portrait of Louis XV (1710-1774)

Maurice Quentin de La Tour was a French Rococo portraitist who lived from 1704 to 1788. He was born in Saint-Quentin, France, and began his career as a painter at an early age. La Tour's portraits were highly sought after by the French aristocracy and he became known for his ability to capture the personality and character of his subjects. La Tour's portraits are characterised by their delicate pastel colours and soft, diffused lighting. He often portrayed his sitters in intimate settings, such as reading a book or playing a musical instrument. La Tour's portraits are also notable for their attention to detail, particularly in the clothing and accessories worn by his sitters. In addition to his portrait work, La Tour also painted landscapes and genre scenes. However, it is his portraits that have secured his place in art history. Today, many of La Tour's works can be found in museums around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.