Artwork
Mademoiselle Rochois Chantant a L'Opera

Mademoiselle Rochois Chantant a L'Opera is a print by J. Mariette. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print is titled Mademoiselle Rochois Chantant a L'Opera. It's a work by J. Mariette from the late 17th century.
The subject of the print is Marie Le Rochais, a star at the Paris Opera. She performed in operas based on classical or Greek mythology, playing roles like Medea and Venus.
To learn more about the techniques used in prints like this, look up the technique of sfumato.
Overview
Mademoiselle Rochois Chantant a L'Opera is a late 17th-century print by J. Mariette, depicting Marie Le Rochais, a prominent Paris Opera singer of the time.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays Marie Le Rochais in a theatrical costume, reflecting her roles in operas based on classical and Greek mythology, such as Medea and Venus.
Technique & Style
The work showcases techniques characteristic of late 17th-century printmaking; for insight into the rendering of subtle, nuanced forms, the technique of sfumato is relevant.
History & Provenance
Originally misidentified as Marthe Le Rochais, the print correctly represents Marie Le Rochais, a star of the Paris Opera during the 1680s and 1690s.
Context
The subject's elaborate attire blends theatrical flair with the fashionable dress of the late 17th century, highlighting the intersection of art and everyday life.
Artist & collection
Artist
French printmakers in the late 1600s and early 1700s captured singers on stage, and J.











