Portret van Marie Antoinette, Dauphine van Frankrijk, in basreliëf op medaillon 1770

Here is the audio guide script about the artwork: Gilles Demarteau created this print of Marie Antoinette as Dauphine of France, rendered in bas-relief on a medallion, using etching and engraving techniques. The portrait, dominated by soft, monochromatic tones, presents a profile view of the young Dauphine, framed within a circular border. This format evokes classical antiquity, lending an air of timelessness and nobility. The composition relies on the interplay between line and shadow to define form, with intricate details in her elaborate hairstyle contrasting against the smooth, unadorned surface of her skin. This deliberate contrast underscores the artifice of royal portraiture, highlighting the tension between natural representation and constructed image. The circular medallion, inscribed with text, not only frames the Dauphine but also confines her, suggesting the constraints of her royal role. The use of classical motifs serves to legitimize her position, yet the very act of portrayal also renders her an object of scrutiny. The artwork invites a deeper contemplation on the nature of power, representation, and the gaze.