Chaprais, in Besançon, France, sells on 22 October a "17th century" Portrait of a lady as Ceres, estimated at 400 to 500 Euro.
It is a rather unusual painting. Portraits of ladies as goddesses, usually Diana but also Ceres, appear relatively frequent. Portraits of ladies in the style we have here are also relatively frequent (though rarely with a white-and-golden dress). But the combination? I couldn't find another French Ceres portrait in this style.
The painter must be searched in the circle of Claude Deruet (1588-1660). The comparison with his "Lady dressed as Diana" (which may also be by Henri Beaubrun, but looks to me closer to Deruet) shows obvious similarities, although the Diana is somewhat better painted. Other Deruet paintings show more skill still, the difference between his own works and studio works is often great. Of course, it could also be the work of one of the Dumonstiers working in this period, their style is usually more individualised but otherwise comparable.
The dress and hairdo are typical for French and English portraits from around 1620-1630, like the above (better) one by Daniel Mytens of Catherine Howard.
A dress similar to the one here can be found in the above portrait by Marcus Gheeraerts from around 1620.
As for the Ceres-type, the best example I know of is the Portrait of Maria de Tassis by
Van Dyck, from the Liechtenstein Collection (painted ca. 1629). Subject, dress, hairdo, all are from the same period and type; but the painting is incomparable much better...
In any case, the painting for sale is cheap for the reasonable quality, good condition and unusual look. Getting this for less than 1,000 Euro is a bargain.
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