Description
The painting Madame Marsollier and her Daughter by Jean-Marc Nattier is a masterpiece of 18th-century French Rococo. The painting shows a mother and her daughter sitting on a sofa, dressed in elegant period clothing. The mother holds a fan in her hand while her daughter holds a rose. The composition of the painting is harmonious and balanced, with the figures placed in an empty space that gives them a sense of intimacy.
Nattier's artistic style is characterized by its softness and delicacy, with a palette of pastel colors and a loose, flowing brushwork technique. These elements are reflected in Madame Marsollier and her Daughter, where shades of pink, blue, and white dominate the painting. The soft, diffused light that illuminates the figures gives them an ethereal and romantic appearance.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by Madame Marsollier herself to commemorate her daughter's wedding. The painting was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1756 and was very well received by critics and the public. Since then, it has been considered one of Nattier's best works and one of the most representative of French Rococo.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Madame Marsollier was actually the mistress of King Louis XV of France. Nattier was one of the favorite artists of the court, and the painting was commissioned as a gift to the king's mistress. Despite this connection to royalty, the painting is a sample of the daily life of the French bourgeoisie of the time and their love for luxury and beauty.
In short, Madame Marsollier and her Daughter is a fascinating painting that combines Nattier's elegant and refined artistic style with an intriguing story and harmonious composition. Her beauty and charm continue to captivate viewers to this day.