Portrait of The Comtesse Du Barry 

Jean-Baptiste Greuze captured the likeness of the Comtesse Du Barry in this portrait, amidst the opulence and moral complexities of the French court. As the last mistress of King Louis XV, Du Barry occupied a precarious position, marked by both privilege and scrutiny. Greuze, known for his sentimental genre painting, here offers a glimpse into the intimate life of a woman defined by her relationship to power. The soft, pastel tones and delicate brushwork create a sense of vulnerability, yet Du Barry’s gaze remains self-assured. Consider the role of women in the 18th century, often reduced to their relationships with men. This portrait, while seemingly celebrating Du Barry’s beauty, also serves as a reminder of the constraints placed upon women in a patriarchal society. It invites us to reflect on the female experience, oscillating between visibility and objectification.