Pierre Gaubert – Marie-Anne de Bourbon-Conti, Duchess of Bourbon, Princess of Condé (Charlotte of Hesse-Rheinfels-Rothenburg, Duchess of Bourbon) Château de Versailles

Here we observe a portrait depicting a woman of high status and considerable wealth. She is seated on an elaborate chair draped in rich fabrics – a deep blue velvet with gold tassels contrasting against a crimson cushion. The chair itself appears monumental, supported by a fluted column partially visible to the left, suggesting grandeur and permanence.
The subject’s attire reinforces her elevated position. A sumptuous gown of golden brocade dominates the composition, its intricate floral pattern catching the light. A delicate lace collar adorned with pearls frames her face, drawing attention to her complexion and hairstyle. A white ermine-lined cloak is casually draped over her arm and across the chair, a clear symbol of royalty and privilege. In her hand, she holds a golden crown, presented almost as an afterthought, yet undeniably signifying sovereignty.
The artist has employed a soft, diffused light that illuminates the woman’s face, emphasizing its smoothness and highlighting the delicate curve of her lips. Her gaze is directed outward, conveying a sense of composure and authority rather than vulnerability or introspection. The background is deliberately blurred – a hazy landscape visible through sheer drapery – which serves to isolate the subject and focus attention on her personage.
Subtly, the composition conveys themes of power, lineage, and inherited status. The deliberate arrangement of fabrics, the regal accessories, and the formal pose all contribute to a carefully constructed image designed to project an aura of nobility. The relaxed posture – the casually draped cloak, the hand resting on the crown – suggests that these symbols are not burdens but rather inherent aspects of her identity. There is a calculated informality intended to convey accessibility while simultaneously maintaining distance and reinforcing her elevated position within the social hierarchy.