Marie de Lorraine, Duchesse de Guise, Princesse de Joinville 1684

This is Antoine Masson’s engraving of Marie de Lorraine, Duchesse de Guise, Princesse de Joinville. Though the print is undated, Masson was active in the late 17th century, a time when portraiture served to reinforce the power and status of the French aristocracy. In this portrait, Marie de Lorraine is framed by an oval border, her titles proclaiming her noble lineage. Her lavish garments and fur emphasize her wealth and privilege. Yet, the print also offers us a more personal glimpse into her identity. Marie never married and instead dedicated herself to charitable works. The imagery at the bottom of the print, with its Latin inscription and symbolic landscape, may allude to her virtues and the legacy she sought to create beyond her aristocratic title. While the print upholds the conventions of aristocratic portraiture, it also hints at the individual aspirations and choices of a woman navigating the constraints and expectations of her time. It reminds us that identity is a complex interplay of social roles, personal desires, and historical circumstances.