Artwork
Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence
Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Marc Nattier. It dates from 1744 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a portrait genre piece, the image focuses on the sitter's likeness while incorporating specific iconographic elements associated with her identity or status.
The work is a formal portrait depicting Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence, painted by Jean-Marc Nattier in 1744. As a portrait genre piece, the image focuses on the sitter's likeness while incorporating specific iconographic elements associated with her identity or status. Visual details include the presence of a bow and pearls, which serve as symbolic attributes within the composition.
These items, alongside the depiction of the woman herself, contribute to the work's representation of the subject, blending personal portraiture with allegorical or status-signifying motifs typical of the artist's style during this period.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1744 by Jean-Marc Nattier, this portrait is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 82.6 cm in height and 64.8 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition depicts a woman adorned with pearls and holding a bow, elements that define the visual narrative of the piece.
The application of oil paint on a woven canvas support represents the standard medium for high-status portraiture of the mid-eighteenth century. While specific details regarding the artist's brushwork, the current state of preservation, or technical underlayers are not provided in the available records, the fundamental material construction and dimensions are established. The genre is strictly defined as a portrait, focusing on the likeness and attributes of the sitter, Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence, painted by Jean-Marc Nattier in 1744, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. According to the available record, the painting is catalogued within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's holdings. The work is executed in oil paint on canvas and measures 82.6 cm in height by 64.8 cm in width. No specific accession number or detailed exhibition history is documented in the provided sources.
Overview
This oil painting, created in 1744 by the French artist Jean-Marc Nattier, depicts Marie Françoise de La Cropte de St. Abre, Marquise d'Argence. The work exemplifies the Rococo movement, known for its elegant and decorative qualities. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing Nattier's renowned skill in aristocratic portraiture.
Context
Jean-Marc Nattier, a Parisian painter born in 1685, established a significant reputation within the court of Louis XV. He became particularly celebrated for his portraits of aristocratic women, frequently presenting them in idealized, sometimes mythological, guises. This work reflects his characteristic approach to capturing the elegance and social standing of his sitters, aligning with the prevailing tastes of 18th-century French high society.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Marc Nattier (French pronunciation:; 17 March 1685 – 7 November 1766) was a French painter.
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