Artwork
Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde
Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Marc Nattier. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work serves as a representation of the princess, capturing her likeness in a setting that incorporates these symbolic objects to define her identity.
The painting depicts Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde, seated as the central subject. The composition includes specific iconographic elements such as a dog, a musical instrument, and sheet music positioned alongside the sitter. These attributes are presented within a formal portrait genre that emphasizes her status and personal interests.
The work serves as a representation of the princess, capturing her likeness in a setting that incorporates these symbolic objects to define her identity.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil paint on a canvas support, measuring 221 cm in height and 146 cm in width. It portrays Marie‑Adélaïde of France in a half‑length pose accompanied by a dog, a musical instrument and sheet music. As a portrait, the work follows the genre conventions of mid‑eighteenth‑century French court painting.
The Joconde record notes that the Versailles canvas is a replica after an original of 1758 that is now lost, with another version held in the Louvre (inv. 6892).
History & Provenance
Jean-Marc Nattier created the portrait of Marie-Adélaïde of France in 1758. The work held at the Palace of Versailles (inventory number MV 3802) is identified as a copy of an original painting from the same year that is now lost. An alternative version of the composition is preserved at the Louvre Museum under inventory number INV 6892.
Historical records indicate that the original subject was owned by Louis XV of France. The piece was executed in oil on canvas and measures 221 cm in height by 146 cm in width.
The oil painting titled Marie-Adélaïde of France, known as Madame Adélaïde, painted by Jean-Marc Nattier in 1758, is part of the collection at the Museum of the History of France located in the Palace of Versailles. It is catalogued under inventory numbers MV 3802 and INV 6891. The work has been displayed in exhibitions at the Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, reflecting its significance within the French royal collection.
The painting is a replica of an original that no longer exists, with another version held by the Louvre Museum (inventory 6892). Its provenance traces back to Louis XV of France, underscoring its historical and royal importance.
Overview
This 1758 oil painting by Jean-Marc Nattier portrays Marie-Adélaïde of France, daughter of Louis XV, in a domestic setting. The work combines elements of aristocratic portraiture with intimate, refined details.
Context
Nattier, trained by his father, was known for portraying court ladies often in mythological contexts. This work, while not mythological, continues his theme of depicting royal women in nuanced, personal lights.
Legacy
As part of Versailles' holdings, the painting contributes to the historical record of French royal life and the artistic traditions of the rococo period, exemplifying Nattier's contribution to 18th-century court portraiture.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Marc Nattier (French pronunciation:; 17 March 1685 – 7 November 1766) was a French painter.
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