Portrait Of The Duchess Of Berry, A Fashion Engraving From The Louis XIV Era

A fashion engraving from the late 17th century (the Louis XIV era), depicting Madame the Duchess of Berry in a grand ceremonial costume.
This etching and burin print features magnificent period coloring (hand-colored) enhanced with gouache and fine details of precious gold on the embroidery and embellishments of the dress. The work is by the famous Bonnart family (Nicolas or Robert Bonnart), engravers and print dealers sworn in by the Court of France, who were based on Rue Saint-Jacques in Paris.
They documented the fashion, finery, and prominent figures of the Versailles court with exceptional precision.
The inscription beneath the portrait recounts the historical event associated with the subject: "Madame the Duchess of Berry / who, as a young lady, was married to His Grace the Duke of Berry in the Chapel of the Palace of Versailles by Cardinal de Janson, in the presence of the King, the entire family, and the Princess, on July 6, 1710." The print is mounted on a large cardboard backing from a later period, accompanied by a typewritten historical biographical text by an expert on the Bonnart family, affixed to the left margin.

• Artist: Bonnart family (Nicolas Bonnart, 1637–1718, or his immediate circle)
• Period: Late 17th century / Early 18th century (circa 1710)
• Style: Louis XIV period / Regency
• Technique: Etching
• Colors and gold highlights retain their freshness. Original margins trimmed to the frame line for mounting; slight foxing and patina from use that do not detract from the piece’s superb visual quality.
• Height 35 cm
• Width 24 cm