Claude Lefebvre – Louise-Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc, Duchesse de La Vallière et de Vaujours, Portrayed as Diana Château de Versailles

The portrait presents a woman in a formal pose, seemingly emerging from a shadowed woodland setting. She is depicted as a figure associated with classical mythology, identifiable through the attributes she holds and the overall composition. The artist placed her centrally within the frame, allowing for an immediate focus on her countenance and attire.
Her clothing consists of a pale grey gown, richly detailed with subtle textures suggesting silk or satin. A red sash crosses her torso, drawing attention to her form while adding a touch of color against the muted palette. A dark drape falls over her left shoulder, contributing to the sense of mystery and hinting at a connection to the natural world. Her hair is styled in elaborate curls, typical of the period, partially concealed by a sheer veil that softens her features.
In her right hand, she holds a bow, while an arrow rests poised near it, signifying skill in archery – a characteristic associated with Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. A quiver hangs from her left side, further reinforcing this mythological association. At her feet lies a hunting dog, its head turned towards the viewer, adding to the scene’s narrative and suggesting a life dedicated to pursuits within nature.
The background is deliberately obscured, rendered in dark browns and greens that create an atmospheric depth. Patches of lighter color suggest glimpses of foliage and sky, but these are indistinct, serving primarily to isolate the figure and emphasize her presence. The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating her face and upper body while leaving the surrounding areas in shadow. This creates a sense of serenity and idealized beauty.
Subtly, the portrait conveys themes of virtue, grace, and connection to nature. The allusion to Diana suggests an association with purity, independence, and skill – qualities that would have been highly valued during this era. The careful arrangement of details – the bow, arrow, dog, veil – all contribute to a carefully constructed persona designed to project an image of refined elegance and noble character. The overall effect is one of idealized representation, intended not merely as a likeness but as a symbolic portrayal of the sitter’s perceived virtues.