Youth and Virtue are the two princesses of France Adelaide and his sister Marie-Louise Charles-Joseph Natoire (1700-1777)

The composition presents a scene steeped in allegorical significance, centered around two young girls and framed by figures embodying abstract concepts. A monumental female figure, clad in armor and bearing a helmet adorned with feathers, dominates the left side of the canvas. She gestures towards the two princesses, her posture conveying authority and perhaps guidance. The inscription on the pillar beside her suggests a connection to royal lineage and French sovereignty.
The girls themselves are positioned centrally, their expressions suggesting innocence and regal composure. One stands slightly forward, while the other is seated upon a draped cushion, creating a subtle visual hierarchy. A small child sits at the feet of the second girl, held within her embrace; this figure likely represents the continuity of the royal line.
Flanking the princesses are two winged male figures, presumably representing celestial beings or personifications of abstract qualities. One holds what appears to be a staff or scepter, suggesting power and dominion. The other’s pose is more relaxed, his gaze directed towards the girls, perhaps signifying protection or blessing.
The color palette is rich and warm, with deep blues and reds contrasting against lighter creams and golds. This contributes to an overall sense of grandeur and opulence. Light plays a crucial role in defining form and directing attention; it illuminates the faces of the princesses and highlights the armor of the female figure on the left.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of royal legitimacy, virtue, and divine favor. The presence of allegorical figures elevates the depiction beyond a simple portrait, transforming it into an assertion of the girls’ rightful place within the established order. The composition suggests that their innocence and virtue are not merely personal qualities but essential components of the nations well-being, sanctioned by higher powers. The arrangement reinforces the idea of inherited authority and divine endorsement of the ruling family.