Louise-Adelaide de Bourbon-Penthievre (1753-1821) Duchess of Chartres Joseph Siffred Duplessis (1725-1802)

The canvas presents a woman reclining in a pastoral setting. She is positioned centrally within the composition, occupying a significant portion of the foreground. Her posture suggests relaxation and ease; she rests on what appears to be a grassy slope, her left arm casually propped behind her, while her right hand supports her weight. The figure’s bare feet are visible, adding an element of informality that contrasts with the elegance of her attire.
The woman is dressed in a flowing, white gown, loosely draped and tied at the neckline with a pale blue ribbon. This choice of fabric and color contributes to an impression of purity and refinement. Her hairstyle, elaborately arranged into voluminous curls, adheres to the fashionable trends of the period. The face exhibits a composed expression; her gaze is directed outward, suggesting contemplation or perhaps a quiet observation of the surrounding landscape.
The background establishes a carefully constructed natural environment. A rocky outcrop dominates the left side of the scene, providing a visual anchor and creating depth within the composition. Beyond this rock formation, a body of water stretches towards the horizon, where a sailing vessel is faintly visible. The sky displays a muted palette of blues and grays, contributing to an overall atmosphere of tranquility. Lush greenery covers the foreground, softening the transition between the figure and the background elements.
The arrangement of these components suggests several layers of meaning. The pastoral setting evokes associations with Arcadia, a mythical realm representing idealized simplicity and natural beauty. This placement of the woman within such a context implies a connection to notions of virtue, innocence, and perhaps even a rejection of societal constraints. The presence of an open book resting near her hand might allude to intellectual pursuits or a cultivated sensibility.
The contrast between the figure’s refined attire and the natural surroundings creates a subtle tension. While she appears at ease within this landscape, there is also a sense of detachment – a suggestion that she occupies a space separate from the wildness around her. The sailing ship on the horizon could symbolize journeys or aspirations beyond the immediate setting, hinting at a desire for exploration or escape. Overall, the painting conveys an image of cultivated grace and quiet contemplation within a carefully constructed natural world, laden with symbolic undertones relating to virtue, intellect, and perhaps a yearning for something beyond the confines of her social position.