HST portrait of a noble lady, Court Fontange, gilt twisted frame, Louis XIV, 17th century
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Oil on canvas depicting the portrait of a noblewoman of the Court, presented in a magnificent twisted frame of painted and gilded wood. Louis XIV period, 17th century. This is a formal portrait of a high-ranking aristocrat or favorite of the Court of Louis XIV. She wears a lace dress and, most notably, the fashionable hairstyle of the time: the Fontange, as well as a pearl necklace.
Several elements even suggest that this is the Duchess of Fontanges* herself. Besides the iconic hairstyle that bears her name (a tiered, curled updo), we notice strong similarities in her features when comparing her portrait to paintings or engravings from the period (particularly those by Nicolas de Larmessin): a perfectly oval face, large dark eyes, a straight, delicate nose, and a slight, serene smile, typical of representations of the time. The Duchess, a favorite of Louis XIV, died very young at 19, and many portraits were subsequently created to celebrate her beauty.
This painting is in good condition, as is its period frame.
Note: there are a few minor accidents on the frame, signs of wear and tear from age, see photos.
Marie-Angélique de Scorailles (or d'Escorailles) de Roussille, Duchess of Fontanges, born July 27, 1661, and died June 28, 1681, was a mistress of Louis XIV. At the age of 17, she fell into the arms of the king, then 41 years old. She was the last mistress of Louis XIV, as the king's relationship with Madame de Montespan was ending and Madame de Maintenon was not strictly speaking a mistress, since the king married her and never had another mistress after their secret marriage. She died at the Port-Royal Abbey in Paris. She popularized a hairstyle that bears her name: the "Fontange" hairstyle.