Portrait of Henrietta, Duchess of Orléans 1670

Samuel Cooper painted this miniature portrait of Henrietta, Duchess of Orléans around 1670, using watercolors on ivory. What's fascinating here is the use of ivory as a ground. This wasn't just any material; it was a luxury product, signaling wealth and status. The smooth, fine surface of the ivory allowed Cooper to achieve an incredible level of detail, especially in Henrietta's delicate features and elaborate hairstyle. The process of creating such a miniature was painstaking. Cooper would have built up the image in layers, using tiny brushes to apply the translucent watercolors. This wasn't mass production; it was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training. The preciousness of the materials and the labor-intensive process speak volumes about the value placed on portraiture in elite circles. By considering the materials and making of this piece, we can better understand the social context in which it was created. It’s not just a pretty picture; it’s a testament to the artistry and the economic realities of its time.