The artwork titled “Robertine Tourteau, Marquise d’Orvilliers” is a portrait by the renowned artist Jacques-Louis David, dated to the year 1790. Painted in oil on canvas, this piece is an exemplary work of the Neoclassical movement. The canvas measures 131 by 98 centimeters and is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. As a genre, it falls under portraiture, showcasing the ability of the artist to capture the essence of the sitter with precise detail and dignity.
The portrayal of Robertine Tourteau, Marquise d’Orvilliers, delineates a seated woman gazing directly at the viewer with a calm and self-assured expression. Her attire is typical of the fashion of the late 18th century, consisting of a white blouse with a ruffled edge, cinched at the waist by a red sash, and overlaid by a black garment that drapes elegantly around her. The subdued background offers a neutral setting that enhances the focus on the sitter. David’s technique emphasizes the graceful poise of the Marquise, her delicate hands resting upon one another, and the refined air she exudes. The touch of red in her hair ribbon juxtaposes the otherwise muted color scheme, drawing attention to her face. The artwork reflects the characteristics of Neoclassicism through its clear lines, sober colors, and the pursuit of idealized beauty and moral virtue, which are conveyed in the dignified representation of the subject.