Study for portrait of Mademoiselle Dangeville 

This is Maurice Quentin de La Tour's pastel study for a portrait of Mademoiselle Dangeville, an actress in the Comédie Française during the 18th century. In an era where portraiture was dominated by images of power and masculinity, there was a growing interest in images celebrating female artists. La Tour captures not just her likeness, but the charm that captivated her audiences. The slight smile, the hint of mischief in her eyes, and the soft flush on her cheeks all convey an image of female agency and self-possession. This was the era of Madame de Pompadour, the influential mistress of Louis XV, and the portrait hints at the power and influence women held within the French court. While La Tour was known for his flattering portraits of the French elite, it is interesting to consider what kind of identity Dangeville was trying to project. It wasn't enough for her to be beautiful, she also had to be charming and witty. This image offers a glimpse into the lives of women who defied expectations and made their mark on the world. We can still feel her presence, the energy of a woman who knew her worth and refused to be confined by the limitations of her time.