Manelli 

This pastel portrait, possibly a self-portrait, showcases the skill of French artist Maurice Quentin de La Tour. Known for his masterful use of pastels to capture the likeness of his subjects, La Tour uses subtle shading to highlight the subject’s features, particularly the warm tones of the skin and the delicate textures of the lace. The artist’s signature style is clearly present in the subject’s soft smile and relaxed posture, suggesting a moment of intimacy between artist and sitter. De La Tour was a celebrated portraitist, whose works are often considered masterpieces of the Rococo period.