Mademoiselle Contat 

Curator: Ah, this is a print of Mademoiselle Contat by F. Coutellier, identified here as being “of the Comédie Française” and shown as the character “Susane” in "The Marriage of Figaro." It’s a lovely little Rococo piece, isn't it? Editor: Yes, delightful. A sugar almond! Immediately, I think of status and performance. It's not simply a portrait, but a statement. An actress *as* a character, forever imprinted. Those plumes and frills practically scream societal role-playing. Curator: Absolutely, and consider the frame itself. A double oval, like looking through opera glasses at the stage. The whole image is contained, presented, consumed, perhaps like Mademoiselle Contat herself. Editor: The oval has long symbolized cycles, eternity... Perhaps the intent was to suggest that the character of Susane, and Mademoiselle Contat’s interpretation of her, will transcend time. Or maybe, less loftily, this framing just looks great on a wall? Curator: Ha! Always a thought! The symbolism here, in the details... her slightly flushed cheeks suggesting health and virtue; the fresh roses, emblems of youthful love... every line seems carefully placed to convey an idea. The overall impression I get is not necessarily about *depth*, but maybe an interesting idea. Editor: And note the restraint in color; a delicate pink, some barely-there blues... it’s suggestive rather than declarative. Even her powdered wig, though extravagant, is soft, airy, like spun sugar. The material suggests a level of fantasy—her gaze goes beyond reality—as an archetype of the woman/character being represented. The question then is: to what end? Is this just another trophy portrait, or is something else lurking within this figure? Curator: Interesting point. The play, "The Marriage of Figaro", was politically quite pointed, even subversive. Perhaps Mademoiselle Contat as Susane represents a quiet revolution... a beautiful, determined female figure. Editor: Possibly! I was simply considering how icons of power, through subtle manipulation of image, impress themselves on cultural memory. Curator: And this one seems to be hinting at the complex layers of what it means to play a part—onstage and, perhaps, in life. Editor: Yes, and now when I view the portrait, it makes me ask: what part am *I* playing now?