Portret van Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, hertogin van Montpensier 1664

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this engraving of Anne Marie Louise d’Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier, sometime in the 17th century. Anne Marie Louise d’Orléans, also known as La Grande Mademoiselle, was a prominent figure in French high society. As a member of the royal family, her life was shaped by the intricate politics and expectations of the French court. This portrait captures her status and identity. The elaborate dress and jewelry, along with the regal bearing, signal her noble lineage. Yet, beyond the surface, we might ask, what does it mean to be a woman of power in a world dominated by men? Anne Marie Louise was known for her political acumen and involvement in the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. Her choices were not without consequence; she faced exile and social repercussions for daring to step outside the conventional roles assigned to women of her time. Here, we see her frozen in a moment, but her story is a reminder of the complex negotiations women have historically navigated in their pursuit of agency and recognition.