Wednesday, February 19, 2014

An 18th Century Painting of An Unidentified Carmelite Nun

Early 18th c. French Portrait of a Nun


Could it be Madame Louise-Marie of France who became Soeur Thérèse de Saint-Augustin?

Or could it be Louise Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc de La Vallière, former mistress of Louis XIV?

I found the painting on 1stdibs, but it is offered for sale by Chateau Domingue, Houston.

Does anyone recognize her?

Elena?

Soeur Louise de la Miséricorde, former Louise de la Vallière mistress of Louis XIV

Louise de la Vallière mistress of Louis XIV


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11 comments:

  1. Patrick11:57 AM

    Whoever Sister is, her outfit looks infinitely better than the dresses beneath her.

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  2. elena maria vidal2:49 PM

    What a fascinating find! I wonder if it is indeed Sister Louise of Mercy, who was Louis XIV's former mistress and mother of three of his children.

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    Replies
    1. Terry Nelson3:42 PM

      I couldn't wait to see what you thought and was going to email you. The face impressed me that it could be painted by a royal portrait artist - the color of the cheeks reminded me of some of the paintings you have exhibited on your blog. I read where Mme. Louise apologized to the Queen before entering as well - that really is fascinating.

      I thought it would be fun to let the dealer know who the subject of the portrait could be - if there was any way to find out. If you find out you should contact them - please let me know too. They would be more impressed if a historical author were to inform them first.

      Thanks Elena.

      Delete
  3. Terry Nelson4:27 PM

    Elena - I added two other portraits. I think you may be right.

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  4. Unknown12:07 AM

    She looks like Louise de La Vallière. Beautiful face with spiritual light in her eyes. It was still in France the blessed time where the ones in charge, starting with the King, knew that, in spite of their sinfulness, they were into God's hands...
    Fr; Jean-François Thomas s.j.

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    Replies
    1. Terry Nelson11:55 AM

      Thank you Father. Beautiful.

      "in spite of their sinfulness, they were in God's hands..."

      Delete
  5. elena maria vidal6:45 PM

    I do think it is Louise but I will do a little more research this weekend. I am trying to think who else it might be....

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  6. elena maria vidal11:24 AM

    I sent this picture to author Sandra Gulland who wrote a book specifically about Loiuse and so am waiting to hear what she says.

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    Replies
    1. Terry Nelson4:13 PM

      Oh that is good news - I'm excited. I love doing these things. I often contact dealers and give them information of this or that particular saint whose image they have for sale.

      Delete
    2. Sandra Gulland.10:58 AM

      The more I look at this, Elena, the more I think it is of Louise. I've written the gallery to inquire. One question is whether it was painted from life, or after her death from existing portraits.

      Exciting! I searched Tineye.com and there were no other such images.

      Delete


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