Pierre Mignard’s portrait of the Marquise de Seignelay and Two of her Sons | Lecture

Pierre Mignard’s portrait of the Marquise de Seignelay and Two of her Sons

In 1691 an aristocratic young widow and mother (still in her twenties) had herself painted by one of Louis XIV’s favourite artists, Pierre Mignard. She didn’t wear the stiff formal garments of the French court, but instead was portrayed, with two of her sons also in classical guise, as a sea nymph or goddess with lavish pearls suggesting a wealth that in her real world was evaporating rapidly. This exquisite painting will be on loan from the National Gallery to South Shields Museum from 29th of August till 7th November. This lecture explores its background and themes and places it in the larger context of French 17th century art and Mignard’s career as a painter of portraits and religious works.

The Marquise de Seignelay and Two of her Sons | Portrait by Pierre Mignard | Image provided by promoter

A LIVE Lit & Phil Event | £6

(If you would prefer to book directly over the phone, please call the Library Desk team on 0191 232 0192 and they will be happy to help)