Artwork

Mlle. de la Valliere in Costume

Mlle. de la Valliere in Costume, by Joseph Werner the Younger, gouache, 1663
Mlle. de la Valliere in Costume, by Joseph Werner the Younger, gouache, 1663

Mlle. de la Valliere in Costume is a gouache painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Werner the Younger. It dates from 1663 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum. Mlle.

About this work

Overview

Mlle. de la Valliere in Costume is a gouache painting created by Joseph Werner the Younger in 1663. It is a portrait of Louise de La Vallière, a notable figure at the French court.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman, identified as Louise de La Vallière, standing in a room with a blue wall and checkered floor, dressed in a lavish yellow costume and holding a mask. Her attire and surroundings convey opulence and grandeur.

Technique & Style

Rendered in gouache, the painting exhibits vibrant colors and intricate detail. Although often associated with the Rococo movement, its creation predates the style's peak, suggesting an early influence or precursor.

History & Provenance

Joseph Werner the Younger, a Swiss painter known for miniatures, worked at the court of Louis XIV from before 1663 until 1667, painting courtiers and contributing to Versailles' decorations. He gained international recognition during his time in France.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph Werner the Younger

Artist

Joseph Werner the Younger

Joseph Werner (22 June 1637 – 21 September 1710), known as the Younger to distinguish him from his painter father of the same name, was a Swiss painter, known for miniatures.

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