Francois Dachery, childhood friend of Maurice Quentin de La Tour 

This portrait, attributed to Maurice Quentin de La Tour, depicts Francois Dachery, a childhood friend of the artist. La Tour, a prominent French portraitist, was renowned for his masterful use of pastel. His portraits, like this one, are characterized by their delicate and lifelike depictions of subjects, capturing both their physical features and inner character. The sitter's relaxed posture, thoughtful gaze, and finely rendered details suggest a close and intimate relationship between the artist and his subject. This pastel portrait exemplifies La Tour's mastery of the medium and showcases his ability to capture the individuality of his sitters.