Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé ?. Portrait. European School. 17th/18th Century Oil Painting on Canvas

A 17-18th century oil painting on canvas of a Roman Catholic male figure wearing monastic robes and holding a crucifix symbolizing dedication of his life to God. This painting is not signed or titled but the figure’s facial features very closely resemble the young Armand Jean le Bouthillier de Rancé, Abbé de Rancé (1626-1700). You will find this resemblance in the portrait by Rigaud, Hyacinthe (1659-1743). Abbaye de la Trappe (Soligny-la-Trappe), France.  The French abbot revived the Cistercian abbey of La Trappe and founded the reformed order of Cistercians, called Trappists, a monastic community that was extremely austere and kept complete silence (except for chanting in church).  The painting is mounted in an ornate gilded Oval frame which is probably original. This portrait is of the European school, country of origin unknown. Artist unknown. No signature was found. The figure seems to be painted in a northern European style, in the manner of Flemish artists. The canvas has a patch, and paint is cracked in some areas, there was minor restoration appropriate with the age, the frame has minor losses to the gild. Frame : 30″ W X 36″ H X 2″ D Canvas: 22″ W x 28″ H X 1″ D