Portrait, said to be the Seigneur de Boisy, Grand Ecuyer de France

"Portrait, said to be the Seigneur de Boisy, Grand Ecuyer de France", housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. This black and white painting, measuring 13.8 cm in height and 16.7 cm in width, presents a man, believed to be the Seigneur de Boisy, Grand Ecuyer de France, from the chest up. nn The subject's direct gaze draws the viewer in, creating a sense of immediacy across the centuries. He is dressed in attire indicative of his status – a dark coat and a hat that casts a shadow over his forehead. His beard and mustache, rendered with subtle detail, add to the air of authority and wisdom. nn The artist's use of light and shadow is particularly striking. The light source, emanating from the left, illuminates the subject's face, highlighting the contours of his features and creating a sense of three-dimensionality. The contrast between the dark clothing and the lighter background further emphasizes the subject's presence, making him the undeniable focal point of the composition.