252. 252W Entourage by Charles-André, known as Carle van Loo (Nice 1705-1765 Paris) The great lord contemplating a sultana seated in the centre oil on canvas oil on canvas 120.3 x 160.4cm (47 3/8 x 63 1/8in). sans cadre unframed The present painting depicts an exotic scene with the Grand Seigneur gazing at a seated sultana, likely drawing inspiration from the European fascination with the Ottoman Empire and the turquerie trend of the 18th century. The sultana, resplendent in richly adorned robes, is seated at the centre of the composition, while the seigneur stands to the side, his expression contemplative. The work displays van Loo's influence in the detailed rendering of luxurious fabrics and the elegant interplay of light and shadow, reflecting the French Rococo's fascination with opulence and Orientalist themes. Although unsigned, this painting embodies the period's fascination with the exotic and the noble's contemplation of distant cultures, highlighting the refined execution of van Loo's circle in capturing both narrative and grandeur. Please note that the present painting is to be attributed to Pierre-Joseph Le Mettay (Fécamp 1726- 1759 Paris). Its preparatory drawing, signed by the artist, was offered at auction at Drouot, Paris on 8 August 2006, lot 37. The painting, previously unlocated, was known from a reference in an engraving by Lempereur, formerly in the Paignon-Dijonval collection. Please note that the painting is attributable to Pierre-Joseph Le Mettay (Fécamp 1726- 1759 Paris). Its preparatory drawing was offered at auction at Drouot, Paris on August 8, 2006, lot 37. The present painting, previously unlocated, was known from an engraving by Lempereur formerly in the Paignon-Dijonval collection.