Artwork
Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde
Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Adélaïde Labille-Guiard. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. In 1794 Adélaïde Labille‑Guiard completed an oil portrait of Marie‑Adélaïde, the youngest daughter of Louis XV.
About this work
Overview
In 1794 Adélaïde Labille‑Guiard completed an oil portrait of Marie‑Adélaïde, the youngest daughter of Louis XV. The work presents the princess in an elaborate red and silver costume, holding a white drape, against a richly modeled interior of columns and carved stone. The painting is part of the permanent collection at the Palace of Versailles.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, known as Madame Adélaïde, is shown in a setting that evokes the convent where she spent much of her later life, underscoring her pious reputation after the fall of the monarchy. Her dignified pose, the white cloth, and the restrained yet sumptuous attire convey both royal status and a modest, religious devotion.
Technique & Style
Labille‑Guiard employs a Rococo sensibility, evident in the fluid brushwork and delicate rendering of textiles. Gold filigree on the dress and the luminous marble floor are treated with fine attention to texture, while the architectural backdrop is modeled with subtle chiaroscuro, creating depth without overwhelming the figure.
History & Provenance
Created during the turbulent years of the French Revolution, the portrait survived the period and entered the Versailles collection, where it remains on display. Its survival reflects the continued appreciation for Labille‑Guiard’s work and the historical interest in the royal family’s later years.
Context
Labille‑Guiard, born in 1749, was a leading female artist of her era, advocating for women’s access to formal training and becoming one of the first women admitted to the Royal Academy. This portrait exemplifies her ability to navigate courtly commissions while advancing a professional path for women artists in late‑18th‑century France.
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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.
