Madame Alexandre Lethière, née Rosa Meli, and Her Daughter, Letizia 1815

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres created this pencil on paper portrait of Madame Alexandre Lethière and her daughter in 1817. Ingres was a leading portraitist in post-revolutionary France, where depictions of women often emphasized their roles as wives and mothers. This work exemplifies that tradition, capturing Madame Lethière in her domestic role. Yet, portraits also served as a means for women to assert their identities and social standing. Ingres delicately renders the textures of Madame Lethière's dress and the softness of her daughter's skin, creating a sense of intimacy. The gaze of Madame Lethière directs our attention. While she presents herself as a figure of maternal affection, her eyes project an air of self-possession. Here, Ingres subtly acknowledges the complexities of female identity during this period. This portrait provides a glimpse into the personal lives of women in 19th-century France, and also underscores the power of art to reflect and shape cultural ideals.