Elisabeth (Lisa) de la Calmette, f. baronesse Iselin, Antoine de la Calmettes hustru 1760 - 1802

Editor: Here we have Jens Juel's "Elisabeth (Lisa) de la Calmette, f. baronesse Iselin, Antoine de la Calmettes hustru," made sometime between 1760 and 1802. Painted on what seems to be a neutral ground, the focus is all on the figure. It's rendered with delicate brushstrokes. What strikes me is the woman's somewhat unsettling, direct gaze. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The subject's gaze is definitely arresting, and likely quite intentional. As a portrait commissioned by the Calmette family, the presentation of Lisa as both beautiful and perhaps somewhat impenetrable speaks volumes about the social currency of women in that period. Consider the rise of Neoclassicism—simplicity, elegance, and an implied intellectualism were highly prized. Does her attire suggest status? How might this painting function as a record of social standing for the family? Editor: Well, the gauzy fabric of her dress is suggestive, hinting at luxury, yet it isn't ostentatious. And that delicate tiara? It seems like a conscious effort to project refined taste rather than brute wealth. Do you think there's any element of idealization at play, beyond just a straightforward likeness? Curator: Undoubtedly. While seemingly realistic, the very act of commissioning a portrait is an act of idealization. It’s about shaping a legacy and public image, as well as a reflection of the period’s attitude toward women of the aristocracy. I wonder, how much control did Lisa have in determining the portrayal’s tone and mood, and how does this contribute to her enigmatic presence? Editor: It’s fascinating to think about who held the power in crafting that image. Considering the era, probably not much agency on her side! This certainly brings another dimension to the painting and to the purpose that this portrait would have fulfilled in society. Curator: Precisely. By looking at this portrait as a product of a complex social landscape, we reveal so much more about not just Lisa de la Calmette but also the societal structure within which she existed.