French School, 18th century, portrait of Queen Marie Leszczynska.

Relined canvas, 81 cm x 65 cm.
Sumptuous antique frame, entirely carved, 95 cm x 79 cm.

This very fine portrait, likely from the circle or workshop of Carle Van Loo, presents Queen Marie Leszczynska in all her majesty. Her face, bathed in soft light, reveals a pale and delicate complexion, enhanced by a slight, restrained smile. She wears a powdered white wig, carefully arranged in curls, adorned with pearls and refined jewels. The queen is dressed in a sumptuous gown embroidered with gold, embellished with white lace at the bodice and sleeves. A blue fleur-de-lis mantle, lined with ermine, a symbol of royal dignity, rests over her shoulders.

Marie Leszczy?ska (1703-1768)

Marie Leszczy?ska, born on June 23, 1703, in Trzebnica, Silesia, was the daughter of Stanis?aw Leszczy?ski, the brief King of Poland, and Catherine Opali?ska. From a noble family that had fallen from grace after the loss of the Polish throne, she spent part of her youth in exile and relative poverty, notably in Sweden, and later in Wissembourg, Alsace, where her family lived modestly under the protection of the Kingdom of France. Her destiny changed dramatically in 1725 when she was chosen, almost unexpectedly, to become the wife of the young Louis XV, then fifteen years old. The choice astonished Europe, but it addressed the political need to quickly find a Catholic wife, free from compromising alliances. On September 5, 1725, Marie married Louis XV at Fontainebleau, becoming Queen of France at the age of twenty-two. Marie Leszczy?ska quickly established herself at court as a discreet, pious, and benevolent sovereign. Largely uninvolved in politics, she devoted herself primarily to her family and religious roles. She gave birth to ten children, including eight daughters and a dauphin, thus ensuring the continuity of the dynasty. Despite her sincere affection for the king, their relationship deteriorated after a few years, as Louis XV took famous mistresses such as Madame de Pompadour. Marie, however, maintained her status and general respect thanks to her dignity and devotion. Her influence was most evident in the artistic and cultural spheres. She encouraged music—herself passionate about musical art—and supported artists such as François Boucher and the composer François Couperin. The queen also distinguished herself through her charitable works, making numerous donations and founding hospices. Marie Leszczy?ska spent the end of her life in relative solitude, but always surrounded by the affection of her children and the people, who appreciated her gentle nature and simplicity. She died on June 24, 1768 in Versailles, at the age of sixty-five. A self-effacing but profoundly humane sovereign, Marie Leszczy?ska remains one of the most endearing queens in French history, a symbol of virtue and constancy in a century marked by court pomp and intrigue.