Madame Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, born Madeleine Chapelle 

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres made this portrait of Madame Ingres, born Madeleine Chapelle, in 1841 using graphite on paper. Ingres created this drawing during a period when social roles and expectations for women were quite rigid, and women’s identities were often closely tied to their roles within the family. As a portrait of the artist’s wife, this work speaks to Ingres’ personal life and intimate relationships, reflecting his perception and idealization of his partner. Interestingly, by depicting his wife with such attention to detail, Ingres grants her a certain agency and presence, subtly challenging the era's conventions. Madeleine’s gaze is soft yet engaging, and the floral adornments in her hair add a touch of romance and femininity, qualities that were highly valued in women at the time. The drawing thus captures not only her likeness but also something of her spirit, inviting us to consider the nuances of her identity as both an individual and a woman within 19th-century society.