Attributed to Pierre ERNOU (1665-c.1739), known as "LE CHEVA - Lot 491

Attributed to Pierre ERNOU (1665-c.1739), known as "LE CHEVALIER ERNOU", Portrait of a gentleman, traditionally considered to be that of Louis II Phélypeaux, Marquis de La Vrillière (1672-1725) Oil on canvas H. 81 x L. 66 cm Note: A member of the powerful Phélypeaux family, which included several 17th-century ministers, Louis II Phélypeaux, Marquis de La Vrillière (1672-1725) held the position of Secretary of State for the Protestant Reformed Religion between 1715 and 1718, under the Regency of Philippe d'Orléans, in a post-Revocation context of the Edict of Nantes. As the Marquis de La Vrillière was appointed Greffier de l'Ordre du Saint-Esprit in 1700, it is likely that this portrait predates that date. Married to Marie-Jeanne de Mailly-Nesle, he left several children who continued the family tradition in high administration, notably the "comte de Saint-Florentin" (1705-1777), future Duc de la Vrillière, who held the record for ministerial longevity under Louis XV (half a century). Related works : Pierre ERNOU (1665-c. 1739) Portrait of a Gentleman in a Red Habit, 1713 Oil on canvas signed and dated on the back. H. 80 x W. 63 cm Sotheby's Milan sale, May 20, 2008, lot n°142.