Portrait of Madame Charles-Pierre Pecoul, nee Potain, mother-in-law of the artist 1784

Jacques Louis David painted this portrait of his mother-in-law, Madame Charles-Pierre Pecoul, in oil on canvas. It depicts a woman of the French upper class in the late 18th century. The image is filled with visual cues about her status. Her elaborate lace bonnet, silk dress, and pearl jewelry speak to her wealth. Her relaxed pose and direct gaze suggest a self-assuredness that would have been socially acceptable for women of her class. This was a time of rigid social hierarchy in France. David’s work often captures the customs and values of the period, whether celebrating the aristocracy or later, during the Revolution, critiquing it. To fully understand this portrait, we must examine the social and institutional context in which it was created. Art historians consult sources such as letters, diaries, and economic records to learn more about both the subject and the artist’s world, understanding how art reflects and shapes society.