Mesdames Elisabeth, Henriette, Adélaïde and Victoire as the four elements
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.
Then her twin, Madame Henriette, as Fire. A delicate, thoughtful beauty.
And volatile, willful Madame Madame Adélaïde, as Air.
Finally, Madame Victoire, as Water. Always a bit of sadness mixed in with her kindness.
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)