Who painted Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836)?

Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836) was painted by François Gérard in 1802.

Where can I see Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836)?

Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836) is held by National Galleries Scotland.

What movement is Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836)?

Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836) is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836)

François Gérard , 1802

Madame Mère (Maria Laetitia Ramolino Bonaparte, 1750 - 1836) is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist François Gérard. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

Madame Mère is an oil painting created around 1803 by François Gérard, portraying Letizia Bonaparte, mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, in a full-length, seated pose within an opulently furnished room.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Letizia Bonaparte, is depicted with a serious expression, surrounded by symbols of her family's influence: a bust of Napoleon behind her and a view of the Tuileries Palace, emphasizing her connection to imperial power.

Technique & Style

Gérard, influenced by his teacher Jacques-Louis David, likely employed chiaroscuro to create depth and emphasize the sitter's presence, characteristic of Neoclassical portraiture.

History & Provenance

Originally in the Bonaparte family, the painting was taken to Italy by Mathilde Bonaparte upon her marriage. It is now part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection, acquired in 1988 with support from the Art Fund.