Portret van Madame de Sévigné 1851

Émilien Desmaisons’ 1851 lithograph "Portret van Madame de Sévigné" depicts the famous French letter writer, Madame de Sévigné, holding a quill pen and a piece of paper, suggesting her act of writing letters. She is elegantly dressed in a blue and gold gown with a lace bodice and her hair is styled in a bun. This artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a fine example of a 19th-century portrait showcasing a prominent figure of French literature. It captures Madame de Sévigné's poise and grace, highlighting her role as a celebrated literary figure.