Artwork

Portrait of a Dancer (Mademoiselle Marie Sallé?)

Portrait of a Dancer (Mademoiselle Marie Sallé?), by Nicolas Lancret, unspecified, 1735
Portrait of a Dancer (Mademoiselle Marie Sallé?), by Nicolas Lancret, unspecified, 1735

Portrait of a Dancer (Mademoiselle Marie Sallé?) is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Nicolas Lancret. It dates from 1735 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Nicolas Lancret's 1735 painting, Portrait of a Dancer (Mademoiselle Marie Sallé?), is a representation of a woman in an elegant outdoor setting. The work is characteristic of Lancret's Rococo style and reflects the refined tastes of early 18th-century French society.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted wearing a flowing pink dress adorned with gold patterns and a white lace cap, holding a fan. The title and her attire suggest a connection to dance, possibly referencing the cultural significance of dance in aristocratic circles.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases Lancret's skillful brushwork, evident in the folds of the subject's dress and the light on her face. The soft, hazy background, featuring trees and a rocky hillside, is typical of the Rococo style, emphasizing elegance and refinement.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's collection. Created during the regency of the Duke of Orleans and early Louis XV, it reflects the artistic tastes of the period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas Lancret

Artist

Nicolas Lancret

Nicolas Lancret (French pronunciation: ; 22 January 1690 – 14 September 1743) was a French painter.