Superb Antique French Oil Painting Portrait, Artist Signed Dated 1819, Holds a Snuff Box, 29" x 23.5"

One of my favorite Antique French oil paintings, a portrait of a handsome dignified gentleman, a 1/2 pose in an interior which includes books. Well dressed and with a very large diamond cravat pin visible, he also holds a snuff box. The epitome of luxury, the artist has conveyed not only his likeness but also his station in life. The artist's signature is there, Begins with a B, is just impossible for me to make out. The artist has dated the work, however, "1819", and that and the period in history tells us more about him. "Restauration" era, France, when Napoleon has been defeated and deposed and France is again under Royal rule. French King Louis XVIII has reigned since 1814, and most exiled Royalists have repatriated to lead and enjoy France. Jacques-Louis DAVID (1748-1825), a most favored artist to Napoleon, has trained artists and that influence is plainly visible in this fine portrait. "School of David", visible. I feel certain if one could make out the signature, it's a listed a