Madame la Marquise de Richelieu

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Jean Mariette
Madame la Marquise de Richelieu
Engraving, hand colored with decoupage fabric additions
11 9/16 x 7 1/2 inches (294 x 190 mm)
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan in 1907.
2002.30
Description: 

Discussing the intimate details of private affairs was one of the pastimes at Louis xiv’s court. One subject of court gossip was the young marquise of Richelieu, here portrayed strolling in a garden in a green velvet walking dress, holding a letter. This billet-doux probably alludes to the messages she secretly exchanged with her cousin, the marquis de Richelieu (nephew of the famous cardinal), during Mass. Determined to marry him, creating one of the biggest scandals of her time, she fled from the convent where her father had confined her.

Notes: 

Although most of the dressed prints in the library's collection were made between 1690 and 1710, the later date of the fabrics indicates that they were "dressed" some forty or fifty years later. The correct French term for the process is découpé. Its translation, literally "cut-out", gives some idea of what was involved. Portions of the print were cut out and faced from the reverse side with fabric corresponding to parts of the costume. What remained of the print was skillfully tinted with watercolor.
Discussing the intimate details of private affairs was one of the pastimes at Louis XIV's court. One subject of court gossip was the young marquise of Richelieu, here portrayed strolling in a garden in a green velvet walking dress, holding a letter. This billet-doux probably alludes to the messages she secretly exchanged with her cousin, the marquis de Richelieu (nephew of the famous cardinal), during Mass. Determined to marry him, creating one of the biggest scandals of her time, she fled from the convent where her father had confined her. -- Exhibition Label, From "Poussin, Claude, and French Drawing in the Classical Age"

Summary: 

Full-length portrait of Marquise de Richelieu, standing on an outdoor patio, with a planted vase behind her at right. She wears a loose portmanteau train, a skirt with matching body and engaeantes, and a fontange headpiece. In her left hand she holds a letter.

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