Artwork

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora, oil, 1712
Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora, oil, 1712

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora is an oil painting. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The canvas depicts a seated woman in an outdoor setting, surrounded by abundant foliage and blossoms.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as both a likeness of the specific historical figure and a symbolic celebration of her virtues through classical personification.

The painting depicts Marie Louise Élisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, portrayed in the guise of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. This allegorical representation transforms a formal portrait into a mythological scene, a common convention in early 18th-century French art to elevate the status of the sitter. By embodying Flora, the subject is associated with themes of fertility, renewal, and natural beauty.

The work functions as both a likeness of the specific historical figure and a symbolic celebration of her virtues through classical personification.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, a format typical of early 18th‑century portraiture. Its dimensions measure 179 cm in height by 134 cm in width, supporting a full‑length portrait that captures the sitter through a conventional compositional scheme. Formal analysis notes the restrained handling of light and the refined modeling of facial features characteristic of Nicolas de Largillière's mature style, while the use of oil paint on canvas confers a rich surface texture and subtle tonal transitions. The painting's condition appears stable, with no documented alterations to the original support or medium.

History & Provenance

The painting was created in 1712, as recorded in its inception date, and is executed in oil on canvas. It depicts Marie Louise Élisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, in the guise of Flora, according to tradition. The work is attributed to Nicolas de Largillière and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located.

The sources do not provide details on the original commission, the chain of ownership prior to the Rijksmuseum, or any subsequent provenance transactions.

Context

The painting Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora, created by Nicolas de Largillière in 1712, has been discussed in scholarship as an example of early 18th-century French portraiture that blends decorative elegance with emerging Rococo sensibilities. Its depiction of the duchess as the mythological figure Flora situates it within the decorative arts tradition, reflecting contemporary tastes for allegorical representation. The work is held in the Rijksmuseum collection, where it is studied as part of the museum's broader focus on Dutch and French painting from the Golden Age.

Overview

The canvas depicts a seated woman in an outdoor setting, surrounded by abundant foliage and blossoms. She holds a bouquet that mirrors the red and white flowers scattered in the surrounding garden. Dressed in a red gown edged with lace and a blue shawl, her hair is styled up and her expression is tranquil, suggesting a moment of quiet repose.

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans (1695-1719), Duchesse de Berry, as Flora
Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans (1695-1719), Duchesse de Berry, as Flora

Artist & collection

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora?

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora?

Portrait of a Woman, according to tradition Marie Louise Elisabeth d'Orléans, Duchess of Berry, as Flora is associated with Rococo painting.