Portret van Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart 1670 - 1724

This etching by Jacob Gole, dating from 1670-1724, depicts a bust-length portrait of Françoise Athénaïs de Rochechouart, also known as Madame de Montespan. The subject, a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV, is rendered with a refined elegance characteristic of the Baroque era. Her intricately styled hair and the delicate lace of her gown create a sense of opulence and emphasize her status as a woman of power and influence. The portrait, housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a significant example of portraiture during the reign of Louis XIV, offering a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy of the time.