Loading

Portrait of Madame de Mauteville (Francoise Bertaut)

Louis Ferdinand Elle, the elder1664

Haggerty Museum of Art

Haggerty Museum of Art
Milwaukee, United States

Highly esteemed in his time, Louis Ferdinand Elle was a court painter for Louis XIV. He was elected in 1648 as one of twelve founding members of the Académie Royale. In 1639 his subject Francois Bertaut married Nicolas Langlois, Lord of Mauteville. She was a friend and confidante of Anne of Austria, mother of Louis XIV. The wealthy widow lived at court from 1643 until the Queen’s death in 1666. She then retired to the Convent of the Visitation at Chaillot (where she had been a lay member of the order), remaining there until her death in 1689. The portrait represents Madame de Mauteville standing in a rich, silken dress with a diaphanous veil, which denotes modesty. On a table at her side stands a small crucifix. Adjacent is the book she has just put down, which is inscribed “SAINT GERAUME.” The formal pose, austere composition, and muted tonality – more expected in a religious than a secular commission – underscore the pious presentation of the subject.

Details

  • Title: Portrait of Madame de Mauteville (Francoise Bertaut)
  • Creator: Louis Ferdinand Elle, the elder
  • Date Created: 1664
  • Provenance: Gift of anonoymous donor. Collection of the Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University.
  • Subject Keywords: Permanent Collection
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Creator Details: French, ca. 1612 - 1689
  • Accession Number: 79.3

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps