Elegant Woman With Flowered And Feathered Pouf Headdress' Pastel Painting On Paper, 18th Century

“Elegant with a Flowered and Feathered Pouf Headdress” – 18th Century Pastel Portrait
This 18th-century painting, a pastel on paper, depicts the portrait of a charming young bourgeois woman adorned with a flowered and feathered pouf headdress. Her graceful face, gentle expression, and powdered hair are complemented by a delicate pale complexion and a refined palette of parma hues, reminiscent of the style popularized by Queen Marie-Antoinette. The composition captures the extravagant elegance emblematic of an era defined by refinement and opulence.
The artwork is presented in a Louis XVI-style stuccoed and gilded wooden frame, which shows signs of wear, including small losses, cracks, and chips in the gilding. Reflections visible in the photos are due to shooting under glass. Despite these minor imperfections, the work is in good general condition and sold as is, as shown in the images. Dimensions with the frame are 80 x 60 cm.
Style and Influence: The Era of Marie-Antoinette
Marie-Antoinette became a symbol of fashion and refinement during the 18th century, embodying the elegance and extravagance of the Ancien Régime. Her influence on art and style can be observed through several trends: Extravagant Hairstyles

The “Pouf”: This iconic voluminous hairstyle, created with hairpieces and white powder, was often decorated with feathers, ribbons, flowers, and occasionally small symbolic objects. It became a hallmark of luxury and exuberance at the royal court.

French Dresses

Marie-Antoinette frequently wore sumptuous dresses crafted from silk or satin, adorned with lace, embroidery, and pearls.

Later in her life, she adopted a simpler and more rustic style, inspired by her hamlet at Versailles. This gave rise to the “à la reine” style, characterized by light dresses made of white muslin.

Neoclassical Taste

Toward the end of her life, she favored clothing and jewelry inspired by Antiquity, reflecting the neoclassical style that emerged in contrast to Rococo.

Marie-Antoinette symbolizes both the splendor and excesses of the French monarchy, which ultimately contributed to its downfall. Her extravagant style remains emblematic of a period marked by a relentless pursuit of refinement and pomp.
Packaging and Delivery Costs

Collection: Free

Belgium: €50

France: €150

Europe: €200

World: On request