The Reader, 1746
La Liseuse, Marianne Lavergne, pastel on vellum, h 54.5 cm × w 43 cm.
This is the original of one of Liotard’s most famous compositions, of which he made several versions. He entitled it La Liseuse (the reader), and evidently intended it as a genre piece, although he also identified the figure as his niece wearing Lyonnaise costume. Liotard took it to Versailles in 1748 to advertise his skills as a pastellist to the French court.
The Reader, 1746
La Liseuse, Marianne Lavergne, pastel on vellum, h 54.5 cm × w 43 cm.
This is the original of one of Liotard’s most famous compositions, of which he made several versions. He entitled it La Liseuse (the reader), and evidently intended it as a genre piece, although he also identified the figure as his niece wearing Lyonnaise costume. Liotard took it to Versailles in 1748 to advertise his skills as a pastellist to the French court.