Portrait Of A Lady, French School, 17th Century

Presumed portrait of Françoise Marie de Bourbon, known as "the second Mademoiselle de Blois" born on May 4, 1677 at the Château de Maintenon, died on February 1, 1749, in Saint-Cloud, legitimized daughter that Louis XIV had secretly with the Marquise de Montespan. She was Duchess of Chartres and Duchess of Orléans by her marriage to Philippe d'Orléans, future regent. This magnificent portrait seems to be a representation of a noble or aristocratic woman, probably dating from the end of the 17th or the beginning of the 18th century. The lady is dressed in an elegant dress in silk or satin, decorated with embroidery and pearls. satin, decorated with embroidery and pearls. The neckline, typical of aristocratic portraits of this period, highlights the refinement of the dress. The voluminous hairstyle, characteristic of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, suggests belonging to high society or the court. The neckline, typical of aristocratic portraits of this period, highlights the refinement of the dress. The voluminous hairstyle, characteristic of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, suggests belonging to high society or the court. Its soft and slightly smiling expression, combined with a calm and direct gaze, evokes a representational portrait where elegance and social status prevail. The black or dark brown background highlights the delicacy of the face and the richness of the clothing, a technique often used in Baroque and Rococo portraits. The richly carved frame with floral motifs is typical of portraits of the French nobility of the late 17th century. The warm tones of the dress contrast subtly with the blue of the coat and the light complexion of the subject.