Artwork

Portrait of a Lady (said to be Jeanne de Marigny)

Portrait of a Lady (said to be Jeanne de Marigny), by Charles Beaubrun, oil, 1655
Portrait of a Lady (said to be Jeanne de Marigny), by Charles Beaubrun, oil, 1655

Portrait of a Lady (said to be Jeanne de Marigny) is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Charles Beaubrun. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Lady (said to be Jeanne de Marigny) is an oil painting created by Charles Beaubrun in 1655, now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, believed to be Jeanne de Marigny, is depicted in a contemplative pose, directly engaging the viewer. Her attire and jewelry (including a pearl necklace and gold-embroidered dress) signify her wealth and status.

Technique & Style

Beaubrun employed oil paint to achieve intricate details, evident in the loose curls of the subject's hair, the draped white shawl, and the distant, serene landscape of a cloudy sky, water, and mountains.

History & Provenance

Created in 1655, the painting's history prior to its acquisition by the Victoria and Albert Museum is not detailed here, highlighting the attribution of the subject as Jeanne de Marigny.

Context

The work reflects 17th-century portraiture conventions, emphasizing the subject's social standing through symbols of wealth, set against a natural backdrop that contrasts with the formality of the dress.

Legacy

As part of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the portrait contributes to the institution's collection of 17th-century European art, offering insights into the era's artistic and social practices.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Beaubrun

Artist

Charles Beaubrun

Charles Beaubrun (1604–1692) was an artist, born in Amboise.