Versailles and More

Now that we have become more familiar with the elder daughters of Louis XV and Marie Leszczynska, we can better appreciate this beautiful series by Nattier. It is typical of the artist’s allegorical portraits.

First we have Madame Elisabeth, Duchess de Parma as Earth. A woman of power.

Madame Elisabeth of France as Earth by Nattier

Then her twin, Madame Henriette, as Fire. A delicate, thoughtful beauty.

Madame Henriette as Fire by Nattier

And volatile, willful Madame Madame Adélaïde, as Air.

Madame Adelaide as Air by Nattier

Finally, Madame Victoire, as Water. Always a bit of sadness mixed in with her kindness.

Madame Victoire as Water by Nattier

I have heard Nattier mentioned as a “forgotten” artist. Let’s bring him back to life, along with his models!

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Links to the entire Daughters of Louis XV series:

Madame Elisabeth, Duchess of Parma
Madame Henriette
Madame Marie-Louise
Madame Adélaïde
Madame Victoire
Madame Sophie
Madame Thérèse
Madame Louise (Venerable Mother Thérèse de Saint-Augustin)