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Anne of Austria and Marie-Thérèse of Austria, queens of France by Simon Renard de Saint-André

Simon Renard de Saint-André · 1664-01-01

This striking 1664 portrait, *Anne of Austria and Marie-Thérèse of Austria, queens of France*, depicts the powerful mother and daughter duo with regal dignity. Painted by Simon Renard de Saint-André, it is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

Look closely at the rich details, from Anne of Austria's commanding jeweled collar and red plume headdress to Marie-Thérèse's delicate brooch and the symbolic laurel branch she holds. The intertwined hands subtly convey their familial bond and shared royal stature.

Simon Renard de Saint-André was a respected portraitist and engraver in the 17th century, serving as painter to the queen. However, for a long time, this painting and other works by Renard were mistakenly attributed to other artists, particularly a Flemish still life painter named Carstian Luyckx. It took dedicated art historical research to correctly identify the true author of these significant works.

This story reminds us how much art history relies on careful documentation and attribution, and how easily even renowned works can have their origins obscured. What other hidden stories do you think paintings might hold?

Details

Anne of Austria, and her daughter Marie-Thérèse, in 1664.
Anne of Austria, and her daughter Marie-Thérèse, in 1664.
The painter was known for his portraits, especially of royalty.
The painter was known for his portraits, especially of royalty.
Other works by the artist were also confused with a Flemish painter.
Other works by the artist were also confused with a Flemish painter.
Only recent scholarship confirmed its true origin.
Only recent scholarship confirmed its true origin.
The abundance of fruit symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the bounty of the kingdom.
The abundance of fruit symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the bounty of the kingdom.
Transcript

This portrait shows two Queens of France, mother and daughter. Anne of Austria, and her daughter Marie-Thérèse, in 1664. The painter was known for his portraits, especially of royalty. But for years, this work was misattributed to another artist. Other works by the artist were also confused with a Flemish painter. Only recent scholarship confirmed its true origin.