Francois-Hubert DROUAIS
French 1727-1775
Madame Sophie de France
1763
oil on canvas
73.7 x 59.8 cm
Everard Studley Miller Bequest 1964
1359-5

The spectacularly rich and elaborate dress worn by the sitter was very fashionable in France at the time. It is also a perfect vehicle for Drouais to demonstrate his consummate painting technique. He quite deliberately uses a very plain, neutral and dark background to emphasise the colourful flowers, fine satin and delicate lace. Drouais was court painter to Louis XV from 1756 and was patronised by Mme du Barry and Mme de Pompadour.

There is some conjecture as to the identity of the sitter, as it is either Mme Sophie de France, daughter of Louis XV, or her sister Louise.