Portrait of a Woman, Said to be Madame Charles Simon Favart (Marie Justine Benoîte Duronceray, 1727–1772)

François Hubert Drouais

Created:
Movement:
1757
Rococo
key Notes:
Rococo elegance, theatrical attire
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Dimensions:
31 1/2 x 25 1/2 in. (80 x 64.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Portrait of a Woman, Said to be Madame Charles Simon Favart (Marie Justine Benoîte Duronceray, 1727–1772)" is a painting by François Hubert Drouais, created in 1757. The subject of the portrait is believed to be Marie Justine Benoîte Duronceray, the wife of the playwright Charles Simon Favart. Drouais was known for his elegant portraiture and ability to capture the personality of his sitters. The painting exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by its lightness, grace, and decorative elements. The identity of the sitter has been debated among art historians, with some uncertainty surrounding the attribution to Madame Favart. The work is notable for its rich color palette and the detailed rendering of fabrics, which were hallmarks of Drouais's technique. The painting is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rennes, France. Further details about the painting's provenance and exhibition history are not extensively documented.

Description of the work:

"Portrait of a Woman, Said to be Madame Charles Simon Favart (Marie Justine Benoîte Duronceray, 1727–1772)" by François Hubert Drouais is an oil on canvas painting created in 1757. The composition features a seated woman, elegantly dressed in a light-colored gown adorned with delicate lace and ribbons. Her posture is relaxed yet dignified, with her left arm resting on a table draped in a rich fabric. The subject's gaze is directed slightly off to the side, conveying a sense of introspection. The artist employs a soft color palette, with warm tones that enhance the subject's complexion and the overall luminosity of the work. The background is rendered in muted shades, allowing the figure to stand out prominently. Drouais's brushwork is characterized by a smooth finish, contributing to the lifelike quality of the portrait. The painting exemplifies the Rococo style, emphasizing elegance and refinement in both the subject's attire and the overall composition.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Portrait of a Woman, Said to be Madame Charles Simon Favart (Marie Justine Benoîte Duronceray, 1727–1772)