Geneviève-Françoise Randon de Malboissière (1740–1766) 1768

Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne the Younger sculpted this marble bust of Geneviève-Françoise Randon de Malboissière, a member of the French aristocracy. This sculpture captures not just a likeness, but also the societal expectations and constraints placed upon women of her status during the 18th century. Consider the details: the elaborate hairstyle adorned with roses, the delicate folds of her dress. These elements speak to the importance of appearance and presentation in aristocratic circles. Yet, there's also a sense of vulnerability in her gaze, perhaps hinting at the limited agency women like Geneviève-Françoise possessed within a patriarchal society. Lemoyne's skill brings forth not only the physical attributes, but also evokes a sense of the subject's internal life, offering a glimpse into the complexities of identity and experience within the context of 18th-century France.