The artwork titled “Portrait of Carl Gustaf Tessin” is an oil on canvas painting created circa 1740 by the French artist Francois Boucher. It epitomizes the Rococo art movement, noted for its ornamental and decorative qualities, and is categorized under the genre of portraiture. The artwork is currently housed at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.
In the artwork, the subject, Carl Gustaf Tessin, is depicted seated in an elegant and relaxed posture, exuding an air of authority and cultured refinement, which is typical of portraits of the era. The sitter’s attire is lavish, with a sumptuous silk robe embellished with lace and gold accents, conveying his social status and the fashion of the time. His wig, with its gentle curls, is emblematic of the period’s style. Tessin holds what appears to be a sheet of paper with illustrations or diagrams, suggesting his engagement with intellectual or artistic pursuits. Beside him, a carefully detailed globe and what may be the top of a walking stick or cane are visible, further emphasizing his cultivated persona and possibly his interests in travel or geography.
Boucher’s skill as a portraitist is evident in the intricate rendering of textures, from the shimmering fabric of Tessin’s robe to the delicate lace of his cuffs. The backdrop, while subdued compared to the figure, indicates a luxurious environment, likely to be part of Tessin’s residence or a setting commensurate with his stature. The warm color palette and the soft modeling of forms are characteristic of the Rococo style, as is the intimate yet grand portrayal of the sitter. Through this portrait, Boucher successfully captures the essence of Tessin’s character and his place within the societal hierarchy of 18th-century Europe.