Who painted Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette was painted by Nicolas Dupin in 1782.

Where can I see Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Marie-Antoinette

Nicolas Dupin , 1782

Marie-Antoinette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Nicolas Dupin. It dates from 1782 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nicolas Dupin's 1782 engraving, Marie-Antoinette, is a portrait print executed in etching and engraving on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, depicted in profile facing left, is identifiable as Marie-Antoinette through her characteristic hairstyle and attire. Her elaborate updo, complete with feathers and a decorative element, and a ruffled, low-necklined dress, convey the elegance and refinement associated with the French monarchy of the time.

Technique & Style

The print utilizes a nuanced range of grays to achieve depth, with the subject's face and hair prominently set against a darker background, emphasizing her features. While the source mentions Romanticism, the described technique and subject treatment align more closely with the prevailing Neoclassical or Rococo styles of the late 18th century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1782, the engraving is now part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Context

Despite the source's association with Romanticism, the work's style and creation date place it within the late 18th-century European printmaking tradition, likely intended to disseminate the queen's image in a period preceding the French Revolution.

Legacy

The engraving serves as a historical record of Marie-Antoinette's public image during her reign, reflecting the aesthetic values of pre-Revolutionary France.