Mary Magdalene Mazade, wife of Antoine Gaspard Grimoldi of Reyniere 

This is Maurice Quentin de La Tour’s pastel portrait of Mary Magdalene Mazade, wife of Antoine Gaspard Grimoldi, a work that subtly reveals the intricacies of 18th-century French society. Consider the implications of Mazade's formal attire – the luxurious blue dress trimmed with lace. These details speak volumes about her social standing and the economic structures that supported such displays of wealth. How does Mazade, as a woman, negotiate her identity within this context? What choices were available to her? The fan she holds and the choker are not just decorative; they are symbols of status and tools of social navigation in a world where appearances mattered deeply. De La Tour, celebrated for capturing the inner character of his sitters, perhaps offers us a glimpse beyond the surface. How does Mazade's expression challenge or conform to the expectations of female portraiture at the time? This portrait invites us to reflect on the ways in which identity is both performed and perceived, shaped by the societal norms and individual agency.