The Marquise d’Orvilliers is a prominent oil-on-canvas portrait painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1790, currently located at the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The painting features Jeanne-Robertine Rilliet, presumed to be the Marquise d’Orvilliers, as part of David’s portraits of French aristocracy during the period of social calm in 1790. It is considered a significant work of neoclassicism and has since been listed in numerous art databases and auction catalogs.
The painting depicts the Marquise d’Orvilliers dressed in typical upper-class attire, consisting of an ornate dress with ruffled sleeves and accents paired with a necklace and earrings. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, displaying her striking facial features with a slight smile on her lips. David’s use of chiaroscuro technique emphasizes the lighting focused primarily on her face while casting shadows on her upper body.
David initially received praise for his portrait of the Marquise D’Orvilliers which showcased his skillful depiction skills but also depicted how well he was able to blend contemporary fashions into neoclassical works. The painting was later reproduced into an engraving that became popular among art collectors during this time period. In conclusion, Jacques-Louis David’s masterpiece “The Marquise d’Orvilliers,” with its intricate details and remarkable use of light technologies become one not only for showcasing fashion but also representing aristocratic splendor overtaken by modernity’s advance over time.
