Who painted Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette was painted by Richard Brookshaw in 1774.

Where can I see Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Marie-Antoinette?

Marie-Antoinette is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Marie-Antoinette?

Museum-quality prints of Marie-Antoinette are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Marie-Antoinette

Richard Brookshaw , 1774

Marie-Antoinette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Richard Brookshaw. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: in plate, below image, at left: R B f; verso: none
Markings: Marked:recto: in plate, below image at right: R B f; verso: none

About this work

Overview

This print, created around 1774, is a portrait of a woman, identified as Marie-Antoinette. It is a work by Richard Brookshaw, executed in mezzotint and etching on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman with curly, light hair styled in an updo, wearing a lace collar, pearl necklace, and a brooch. The plain background emphasizes her face and shoulders, presenting her in a formal, dignified manner.

Technique & Style

The print combines mezzotint and etching techniques. Mezzotint, achieved by scraping metal plates, allows for smooth tonal transitions, making it suitable for detailed portraits like this one, which was a common application in the 18th century.