Artwork

Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine

Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine, by Louis Petit, ink, 1786
Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine, by Louis Petit, ink, 1786

Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Louis Petit. It dates from 1786 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine is a portrait print created by Louis Petit in 1786, rendered in etching and engraving. The work depicts a woman of evident refinement in a serene, direct pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine, is portrayed in 18th-century aristocratic attire, complete with a fur collar and lace cuffs. Her calm, direct gaze and the emphasis on luxurious textiles may suggest her social status and character.

Technique & Style

Petit employed etching and engraving to achieve detailed textures, notably in the subject's soft curls and the intricate patterns of her clothing. Fine lines dominate, set against a plain background to focus attention on the sitter.

History & Provenance

Created in 1786 by Louis Petit, specific details on the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided.

Context

This portrait reflects late 18th-century European portraiture trends, emphasizing the sitter's social standing through attire and demeanor. The use of etching and engraving was common for reproductive prints, though here it serves to create an original portrait.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Marie Gallelise de la Fontaine' is not extensively detailed in available information, suggesting it may not be among the most widely recognized or influential works of its time, though it remains a characteristic example of late 18th-century portrait printing techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Louis Petit

Artist

Louis Petit

Louis Petit (1760–1812) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.