Offered by Galerie Nicolas Lenté
Portrait of Marie-Anne de Malortie de Boudeville (1693–1774), Countess of Hombourg and Martainville
Studio of Nicolas de Largillière (Paris, 1656–1746)
Paris, early 18th century, circa 1710
Oil on oval canvas
Dimensions: H. 80 cm, W. 64 cm
Richly carved 18th century giltwood frame of the Louis XIV period
Framed dimensions: H. 104 cm, W. 87 cm
Radiant with youth and dressed in sumptuous attire, this young French noblewoman embodies grace and distinction in a formal portrait. Depicted half-length, with her body turned slightly in three-quarter view, she meets the viewer with a calm, assured gaze. Strong illumination, characteristic of the works of Nicolas de Largillière and his pupils, brings her face and décolletage out of the dark background, while contrasting effects set the softness of her skin against the brilliance of the embroidery and jewels.
Her face, with its particularly harmonious oval, is distinguished by the delicacy of its modelling. Subtle transitions from light to shadow, soft flesh tones and rosy nuances in the cheeks enliven her features without disturbing their balance. A finely delineated mouth, suggesting a discreet smile, completes this expression of grace and restraint.
Her powdered hair, arranged in the Fontange style, is swept up into an orderly array of tight curls, with two locks accentuating the forehead and longer curls falling behind her shoulders. A panache of pink feathers, accompanied by a slender white aigrette, lends movement and a touch of fantasy to this refined coiffure.
The richness of her attire unfolds in a deep blue velvet gown, its neckline accentuated by a gold border and painted gold-thread embroidery. Delicate white lace softens the edge of the décolletage, while the decoration extends across the bodice in foliage and scrolling motifs. The turned-back sleeve, edged with gold fringe, reveals the white chemise beneath; a jewelled clasp set with garnets secures the cuff. A belt set with gemstones defines the waist and completes this sumptuous ensemble.
A burgundy velvet mantle envelops her shoulders in ample folds. Its gold-ground brocade lining, decorated with polychrome flowers, foliage and scrolling ornament, creates a striking contrast with the blue of the gown. Shadows deepen the folds and convey the richness of the velvet, while highlights pick out the raised details of the ornament. This attentive rendering of materials belongs to the pictorial vocabulary characteristic of Nicolas de Largillière and his pupils, combining subtlety of expression with magnificence of dress.
The proposed date of circa 1710 places the portrait around the time of Marie-Anne de Malortie de Boudeville’s marriage to Antoine-Léonor-Jean-François de Gaude, suggesting that it may have been commissioned to mark the occasion.
Provenance
Retained by the sitter’s descendants, passing through her daughter Marie-Thérèse de Gaude de Martainville (1725–1807), wife of Philippe-Charles Vogt d’Hunolstein (1719–1790), and subsequently preserved within that family over successive generations. The portrait entered the Rochechouart de Mortemart family through the marriage of their descendant Hélène Vogt d’Hunolstein (1859–1904) to Arthur-Casimir de Rochechouart, Duke of Mortemart (1856–1926). Formerly in the collection of the Rochechouart de Mortemart family.
Delevery information :
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