1853, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Josephine-Eleonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Bearn -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was recognized in his day, and afterward, as one of the finest portraitists in French history. His Princesse de Broglie crowned an impressive career painting French aristocrats and powerful personalities. Commissioned by Albert de Broglie soon after his marriage to the shy Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn, the portrait captures the artist's capacity to render exquisite textures-satin and silks, velvet and cashmere, leather and ivory. He spares no detail describing the luxuries afforded the privileged, and yet the sitter remains reserved. Ingres honors her privacy.
A pious Catholic, Pauline de Broglie authored several volumes on the Christian virtues of saints in her early life. Afflicted with tuberculosis, she died at the age of 35, leaving five sons and a grieving husband. Her celebrated portrait hung in the family's Paris residence for years to come, sheathed in velvet curtains. Albert de Broglie never remarried.
1853, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Josephine-Eleonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Bearn -- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
From the museum label: Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was recognized in his day, and afterward, as one of the finest portraitists in French history. His Princesse de Broglie crowned an impressive career painting French aristocrats and powerful personalities. Commissioned by Albert de Broglie soon after his marriage to the shy Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn, the portrait captures the artist's capacity to render exquisite textures-satin and silks, velvet and cashmere, leather and ivory. He spares no detail describing the luxuries afforded the privileged, and yet the sitter remains reserved. Ingres honors her privacy.
A pious Catholic, Pauline de Broglie authored several volumes on the Christian virtues of saints in her early life. Afflicted with tuberculosis, she died at the age of 35, leaving five sons and a grieving husband. Her celebrated portrait hung in the family's Paris residence for years to come, sheathed in velvet curtains. Albert de Broglie never remarried.