Artwork
Elisabeth-Philippe-Marie-Hélène of France, known as Madame Elisabeth (1764-1794)
Elisabeth-Philippe-Marie-Hélène of France, known as Madame Elisabeth (1764-1794) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Adélaïde Labille-Guiard. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Department of Paintings of the Louvre.
About this work
Overview
Adélaïde Labille‑Guiard’s 1794 oil portrait presents Princess Elisabeth of France, later known as Madame Elisabeth, in a composed, aristocratic pose. The canvas, now housed in the Palace of Versailles, captures the young royal with a calm expression, set against a subdued, dark backdrop that accentuates the luminous tones of her attire.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, the sister of King Louis XVI, is depicted in an elaborate white and gold ensemble, her dress flowing into a soft skirt. A feather‑trimmed hat and delicate necklace frame her face, suggesting both her noble status and the refined femininity expected of a royal woman during the late Ancien Régime.
Technique & Style
Executed in the Rococo manner, the work employs a light, fluid brushwork that renders the textures of silk, lace, and feathers with subtle gradations. The contrast between the dark, muted background and the bright, pastel hues of the clothing creates a sense of depth while highlighting the sitter’s serene demeanor.
History & Provenance
Labille‑Guiard, one of the first women admitted to the Royal Academy and the inaugural female artist granted a studio in the Louvre, painted this portrait shortly before the princess’s execution in 1794. The painting entered the Versailles collection as part of the royal holdings, reflecting its historical association with the French monarchy.
Context
Created during the turbulent final years of the French Revolution, the portrait stands as a rare visual record of a member of the royal family who remained loyal to the monarchy. Labille‑Guiard’s status as a pioneering female artist adds another layer of significance, illustrating the limited but growing opportunities for women in the French art world of the era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (née Labille; 11 April 1749 – 24 April 1803), also known as Adélaïde Labille-Guiard des Vertus, was a French miniaturist and portrait painter.
Museum
Department of Paintings of the Louvre
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