La Menasseuse 1709

Hyacinthe Rigaud rendered La Menasseuse in oil on canvas, using the techniques of academic painting. Look closely, and you can see how Rigaud employed thin glazes and precise brushwork to create the illusion of smooth skin, flowing fabric, and delicate ornamentation. This kind of virtuosity was highly valued in the French court, and Rigaud was renowned for his ability to capture the likeness and status of his sitters. But it's important to remember that a painting like this also involved a great deal of labor behind the scenes. Pigments had to be ground and mixed, canvases prepared, and brushes maintained. Moreover, the fashion depicted in the painting—the elaborate hairstyle, the luxurious fabrics—all relied on the skills of countless artisans and laborers. By paying attention to the material culture represented in the work, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic context in which it was produced.