Portrait Of Marie Mancini (1639-1715) Princess Colonna Pierre Mignard (circle Of) 17th Century

Superb portrait presumed of Marie Mancini, niece of cardinal Mazarin, this oval portrait embodies the elegance and refinement of the court of Louis XIV. 

The princess is represented by three-quarters. The ivory carnation of great subtlety, reflects a meticulous work on nuances and textures. Her beautiful and long hair is adorned with beads.

The drape is also of high quality. The deep blue colour could be obtained from rare pigments such as lapis lazuli. This sumptuous blue is enhanced by the exceptional finesse of the white lace details that adorn the neckline, demonstrating a high level pictorial talent.

Executed with remarkable mastery, this work is to be compared to those of Pierre Mignard. The resemblance to the portrait by Mignard on the cover of Claude Dulong’s book “Marie Mancini” is striking (see photos).

The painting is presented in its original gilded wood frame.
The work has been restored, in perfect condition, it is ready to be hung.

Frame dimensions: 90 x 75 cm
Off-frame size: 74 x 69 cm

Marie Mancini (1639-1715) Princess Colonna

Marie Mancini was an Italian aristocrat, the niece of Cardinal Mazarin, and one of the mistresses of King Louis XIV of France. Born in Rome, she grew up in a powerful environment because of the influence of her uncle, who was the chief minister of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Mary was one of the first ladies at court to attract the young king’s attention, who fell in love with her. However, their relationship was thwarted by politics and Louis XIV, under the pressure of his mother Anne of Austria, separated from her in 1659.
After this break-up, Marie married an Italian prince, Lorenzo Onofrio Colonna, in 1661 and retired to Italy. Although she lived far from the court of France, she remained an important figure in European aristocratic circles. Marie Mancini left memoirs in which she recounts her life and relationship with Louis XIV, offering a valuable insight into the court of the time.

Pierre Mignard (1612-1695)

Pierre Mignard was a French painter, mainly known for his portraits of the nobility and the royal family during the reign of Louis XIV. Born in Troyes, he studied in Paris before moving to Rome where he spent much of his youth, influenced by the masters of baroque painting, especially by the style of Nicolas Poussin and the Venetian school. Upon his return to France, he became one of the most renowned portrait painters of his time.
Mignard was particularly appreciated for the finesse of his portraits, which combine high precision rendering with marked elegance, typical of classical style. He painted many members of the court of Louis XIV, including the king himself, ministers and members of the aristocracy. In 1681, he was appointed Premier peintre du roi and member of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Mignard is also known for his contributions to the decoration of several churches and palaces, including the ceiling of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris.

We are looking for old portraits (17th and 18th century).

Photos are taken in natural light.
Careful packaging.
Shipping costs are to be borne by the buyer.
I remain at your disposal for any additional information and photos.