Madame de la Vallière as Magdalen 17th-18th century

Editor: This engraving presents Madame de la Vallière as Magdalen, created by Gérard Edelinck. The dramatic lighting and her expressive pose evoke a sense of deep sorrow. What emotional layers do you perceive in this portrayal? Curator: It's as if Edelinck caught her in a moment of profound internal conflict, a crossroads of earthly vanity and spiritual yearning. Notice how the discarded jewelry contrasts with her upward gaze—is she turning away from worldly pleasures, or is it a performance of penitence? Is there something inherently theatrical in this expression of faith? Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective! I hadn’t considered the theatrical aspect. Curator: These images often played with public perception. We see a celebrity, in a sense, enacting a role, prompting us to ponder the line between genuine feeling and constructed image. Editor: I will definitely remember that! Thanks.