Portrait of Marie Madeleine de Vignerod

The painting is an official state portrait of Cardinal Richelieu's niece Marie Madeleine de Vignerod duchess of Aigullon. This cultured lady, patron of men of letters such as Pierre Corneille, was also Queen Maria de Medici's lady-in-waiting. At her uncle's death she inherited part of his wealth and estates like Petit Luxembourg and the Château de Rueil. From that moment on, she became involved in charity, ransoming African slaves and funding a hospital in Québec. The image of the duchess shows a strong-willed woman, whose fiery gaze and proud stance are enhanced by the drapery and columns in the background. The portrait has been attributed to Philippe de Champaigne, who has also painted Richelieu himself in several instances, as in the case of the Triple Portrait at the National Gallery of London.