Marie Fel with eyes full of love 

Curator: This work is titled "Marie Fel with eyes full of love", and the piece is by Maurice Quentin de La Tour. It’s a pastel portrait, part of a private collection. What’s your immediate read on it? Editor: “Eyes full of love” is spot on; that’s exactly the impression. She's the very picture of placid, contented adoration. It is emphasized by her delicate pose. Her clothing color is remarkable because in Christian iconography the Virgin Mary is always blue. She’s even posed by an open score adorned by cherubs… Curator: Fascinating observation! It reminds me of how La Tour situated his subjects within their social milieu, using their clothing, belongings, and setting to broadcast their status and identity. We have this lady posed with the accoutrements of education and luxury and what strikes me is not the religious symbolism that you astutely noted but what a cultural record that imagery becomes. What statements do you think were in the air when someone posed with a Cupid music? Editor: Well, Cupid universally symbolizes erotic love, so positioning the subject with musical scores and a cherub points to themes of inspiration, creative love, beauty, and refined pleasures. Given Cupid’s presence, there may be some message intended to her suitors… However, musical performance would also symbolize someone capable of high social connections. Curator: That’s very insightful! How symbols of pleasure and passion became tools in solidifying power is fascinating. We see her as an individual and her connections reflected by those same ideas! The lady as art piece and the lady making art and enjoying the beauty art brings; all speaking volumes! Editor: It also showcases a unique ability to feel. But at this remove, the painting does so much, acting as an artifact itself. The artwork and the Cupid both serve a role in that, so thank you for enlightening me as to the forces at play! Curator: Of course! Thank you for guiding our ears toward those potent symbols. It just goes to show, art offers something different to each of us!