Artwork

Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans (1627-1693), duchesse de Montpensier, dit "la Grande Demoiselle"

Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans (1627-1693), duchesse de Montpensier, dit "la Grande Demoiselle" is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Auguste de Creuse. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Auguste de Creuse's 1839 oil portrait captures Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans, 'la Grande Demoiselle', in a French Romantic style. The work is part of the Palace of Versailles' historical portrait collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans (1627-1693), is portrayed with symbols of nobility: a red dress, yellow ruffled collar and sleeves, floral hair adornments, pearl jewelry, and a staff, conveying elegance and refinement.

Technique & Style

De Creuse employs bold, vibrant colors (notably red, yellow, and touches of orange and brown) against a predominantly black background, with dramatic lighting to add emotional depth, characteristic of the French Romantic movement.

History & Provenance

Created in 1839 by Auguste de Creuse, a pupil of Antoine-Jean Gros, the portrait is housed at the Palace of Versailles as part of its collection of historical portraits by 19th-century French artists.

Context

The painting reflects the early 19th-century interest in historical figures, with de Creuse contributing to this trend through his portrait work at Versailles.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this work are not highlighted, it remains part of the broader legacy of French Romantic portraiture and the artistic contributions to the Versailles collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Auguste de Creuse

Auguste de Creuse (1806–1839) was a French portrait painter. He was born at Montrond (Doubs) and died in Paris. He was a pupil of Gros, and painted many of the historical portraits which are at Versailles.