Woman (Princesse De Lamballe) 

Jean-Antoine Houdon sculpted this marble bust of the Princesse De Lamballe at some point in the late 18th century. Houdon was the pre-eminent portrait sculptor of his day in France. He captured the likenesses of leading enlightenment figures, such as Voltaire and Diderot, as well as powerful politicians. His sitters expected an idealized image, but also one which captured their social position. The Princesse de Lamballe was a member of the extended royal family and confidante of Marie Antoinette. She was a victim of the revolutionary Terror, murdered by a mob in 1792. The bust commemorates a life of luxury which was soon to disappear forever. Houdon was shrewd enough to survive the revolution, producing busts of the new leaders as well. Understanding the political and social context is essential when interpreting artworks such as this. Looking at the archives of institutions like the Royal Academy, reading contemporary press reports, and studying the biographies of the people involved can all help to better understand the public role of art.