Artwork
Adrienne Le Couvreur
Adrienne Le Couvreur is a print by Pierre Drevet. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
It comes from a famous collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows the French actress Adrienne Le Couvreur in a role.
She plays Cornelia in a play first staged in 1642.
The print copies an earlier painting by Antoine Coypel.
Her pose and expression suggest the tragic moment on stage.
The print was made in the 1700s, long after her death.
It comes from a famous collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Look up Antoine Coypel to see the portrait it was copied from.
Overview
This print is a portrait of Adrienne Le Couvreur, a French actress, in the role of Cornelia from Pierre Corneille's play The Death of Pompey.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures Le Couvreur in a dramatic pose, conveying the tragic moment from the play. It is derived from an original painting by Antoine Coypel, depicting her as Cornelia.
Technique & Style
The print is a reproduction of Coypel's work, created in the 18th century. It presents a half-length portrait, focusing on Le Couvreur's expression and pose.
History & Provenance
The print was published in the 18th century, after Le Couvreur's death in 1730. It is part of the Harry Beard Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
The Drevet Family were leading portrait engravers of France for over a hundred years. Their fame began with Pierre, and was sustained by his son, Pierre-Imbert, and by his nephew, Claude.
