François Armand de Gontaut, Duc de Biron

Largilliere's sensuous delight in colors and textures transformed a solemn and formal type of seventeenth-century portrait into the new Rococo style of the eighteenth century. Although this young military officer is posed in a traditional way, Largilliere places him before a soft, atmospheric landscape and emphasizes the contrast of skillfully rendered textures, from the plush leopard skin cape and free-flowing curls to the smooth leather gloves and armor glinting with tinted highlights.