Madame la Princesse de Conty Douairiere c. 1695

This print, "Madame la Princesse de Conty Douairiere," was created by Jean Mariette in 1695. It depicts a seated woman, likely a member of the French nobility, in a richly embroidered gown, her elegant posture and elaborate headdress conveying her status and power. The print, which is housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is an example of a portrait print, a popular genre in 17th-century Europe. Mariette was a skilled engraver, known for his precise lines and careful attention to detail. His work is a valuable window into the fashion and customs of the era.