Portrait of a Woman 1785 - 1793

This delicate portrait of a woman was made in France by Villers, sometime in the late 18th century. Note the frame, as ornate as a jewelry setting, sparkling with diamonds and twisted gold. The woman’s powdered wig and silk shawl are also markers of privilege. The French aristocracy of this period favored elaborate fashion. The portrait miniature was a prized possession among this wealthy elite. Often, the miniature would be encased in precious materials to be worn as a pendant. Such an image would signal the status of both the sitter and the artist. But understanding the art of this period involves a careful examination of the social and political currents that shaped its production. Art historians consult a wide range of sources to better understand the context in which art is made. A study of fashion, the history of jewelry-making, and social history can help us to appreciate the world of art.