Artwork

Marie Leszczynska, Queen of France

Marie Leszczynska, Queen of France, by Alexis Simon Belle, oil, 1730
Marie Leszczynska, Queen of France, by Alexis Simon Belle, oil, 1730

Marie Leszczynska, Queen of France is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Alexis Simon Belle. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

The painting is a portrait of Marie Leszczyńska, Queen of France, created by Alexis Simon Belle in 1730.

The painting depicts a woman in an elegant blue and white dress, holding a bouquet of white flowers. She stands in front of a dark background, with a man sitting behind her, holding an umbrella. A dog lies at her feet.

The woman's dress is intricately designed, with lace and embroidery details. The man's attire is also ornate, with a red coat and a hat. The dog appears to be a brown and white breed.

The painting is a portrait of Marie Leszczyńska, Queen of France, created by Alexis Simon Belle in 1730. It is held at the Palace of Versailles. If you're interested in learning more about the artist, you can explore the works of Alexis Simon Belle.

Overview

This 1730 oil painting by Alexis Simon Belle portrays Marie Leszczynska, Queen of France, in a characteristic Rococo style. The work is part of the Palace of Versailles collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Marie Leszczynska in a serene, elegant pose, accompanied by a seated figure (possibly symbolic or a family member), a dog, and a bouquet of white flowers, conveying refinement and nobility.

Technique & Style

Belle's training under prominent French portraitists is evident in the intricate details of the subjects' attire, including lace, embroidery, and ornate accessories, set against a somber backdrop.

History & Provenance

Created in 1730 by Alexis Simon Belle, a specialist in European nobility portraits, the painting has been part of the Palace of Versailles' collection, reflecting the queen's historical significance.

Context

As a Rococo piece, the painting embodies the era's emphasis on elegance, intimacy, and the lives of the aristocracy, aligning with Belle's portfolio of Jacobite and European noble portraits.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexis Simon Belle

Artist

Alexis Simon Belle

Alexis Simon Belle (12 January 1674 – 21 November 1734) was a French painter who specialised in portrait painting who is best known for his portraits of the French and Jacobite nobility.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Palace of Versailles open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.