Artwork

Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, née de Parseval

Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, née de Parseval, by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, oil, 1747
Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, née de Parseval, by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, oil, 1747

Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, née de Parseval is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Baptiste Perronneau. It dates from 1747 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1747 by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, *Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, née de Parseval* is an oil portrait exemplifying French Rococo characteristics. The painting features Madeleine Parseval alongside her cat, showcasing Perronneau's attention to detail and compositional elegance. It is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Madeleine Parseval with a neutral expression, dressed in a white gown with blue trim and a pearl-adorned black choker, accompanied by a calm gray cat wearing a bell collar. The subject's attire and the inclusion of the pet suggest a depiction of quiet, refined domesticity.

Technique & Style

Perronneau employs characteristic Rococo refinement, emphasizing delicate textures and subtle expressions. The use of chiaroscuro (strong contrasts between light and dark) enhances the portrait's depth, though the overall mood remains serene due to the muted greenish-brown background.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in 1747, the portrait's early history is not extensively detailed in available sources. It is currently housed in the J. Paul Getty Museum, where it remains a notable example of Perronneau's work in oil.

Context

As a Rococo piece, *Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange* reflects the era's focus on intimacy, elegance, and the everyday lives of the aristocracy. Perronneau's transition from pastels to oil in this work demonstrates his versatility within the period's artistic trends.

Legacy

While specific influences of *Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange* on subsequent art are not widely documented, the painting contributes to the broader appreciation of Rococo portraiture and Perronneau's contribution to the genre, particularly in his less common use of oil.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Perronneau

Artist

Jean-Baptiste Perronneau

Jean-Baptiste Perronneau (French pronunciation: ; c. 1716 – 19 November 1783) was a French Rococo painter and draughtsman, best known for his portrait pastels.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: J. Paul Getty Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.