image: Madame Louise by Jean-Marc Nattier
credit: (C) RMN-Grand Palais (Château de Versailles) / Gérard Blot
This portrait of a young Madame Louise by Jean-Marc Nattier was commissioned by her father, Louis XV, in 1747. At the time of the sitting, Louise was only 10 years old.
Like many paintings of royal children in court dresses, I think Louise looks much older than her natural years here! Not only does Nattier's style of painting age up the subject (or, in cases of older subjects, make them look younger!) but the elaborate gown seems more befitting of a teenager than a 10 year old child. I do love the ensemble, though. The pearls in her hair, accented by flowers, are very charming.
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