Historical portrait of François de Beaumont known as the Baron des Adrets.

Large oil on canvas – Portrait known as the Baron des Adrets – 19th-century gilded frame. Rare and imposing half-length portrait, traditionally identified as representing François de Beaumont, known as the Baron des Adrets (1512-1587), a famous captain of the Wars of Religion. The figure, depicted in three-quarters view, wears a green doublet and a large reddish-brown cloak. His hand rests near a sword with an ornate hilt. The chiaroscuro evokes 17th-century painting. The canvas bears an old annotation in the top left corner reading "Baron des Adrets." To our knowledge, and subject to further research, this work could constitute the only known ancient painted portrait of François de Beaumont. Characteristics: Oil on canvas, approximately 140 × 90 cm excluding frame. Old restorations. Important 19th-century gilded frame, richly carved with flowers, foliage, and openwork ornaments. During its restoration in 1973, the work was considered a 17th-century painting, in a Rembrandtesque style. A more recent opinion catalogues it more cautiously as 19th-century French School, portrait known as the Baron des Adrets. Provenance: Acquired by the mother of the current owner in 1973. The handwritten certificate from the antique dealer identifies it as a portrait of the Baron des Adrets from the 17th century. According to family tradition, the work previously belonged to a noble family from Dordogne. It has been kept in the same family for over 50 years. A documentary file accompanies the painting: certificate from 1973, old and current photographs, views of the reverse and the frame, historical documentation, and correspondence with the departmental archives of Isère. Available for viewing by appointment near Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines). Delivered with a custom wooden transport case: 138 × 118 × 17 cm.