Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743) was the French portrait painter of the Court and of Kings in the Grand Siècle, described thus by Madame La Palatine “There is a painter here, Rigo, who stutters so horribly that it takes him a quarter of an hour for each word. He sings perfectly and while singing he does not stutter in the least."
The portrait of Madame, known as La Palatine (1652-1722)
Having promised her portrait to Mr. Foucault State Councilor, Madame forced herself to pose for so long in 1713, it was torture. In addition, she had to make up and wear heavy court clothes, which she did not appreciate, writing "one finds it difficult to do my portrait, because I do not have the patience to pose properly".
Madame is seated in a walnut wood armchair, she holds in her right hand a black veil gas, symbol of her widowhood, while her other hand rests on a crown . She is dressed in a gold brocade dress, a large pearl necklace is worn as a belt, a fleur-de-lis coat is thrown over her shoulders.
Madam will be satisfied with this portrait "it has reproduced me so perfectly, that it is astonishing:ugly, enormous, but the face filled with finesse and liveliness". The king "is struck by the resemblance and the magnificence of the adjustments of this work and said to this princess that he wanted her to keep it for herself, and that she had a copy made for the one to whom she gave it. had intended, which was executed. This great prince added that this work did honor to its author and that he would do him in all times.
The 144cm x 112cm portrait is therefore printed in four hundred copies and preserved today in the Berlin museum.