Portret van Anne Marie Louise van Orléans 1829

Tony Johannot created this print of Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, Duchesse de Montpensier, in the 19th century. The image speaks to the enduring power of the French aristocracy, even after the Revolution. Johannot presents the Duchess as a figure of refined elegance, her status proclaimed through her pearl necklace and delicate features. But this is not simply a neutral record; it’s a carefully constructed representation of power, designed for public consumption in a time of shifting social structures. The print was made after an enameled painting by Petit, held at the 'Musée Royal', or Royal Museum. This tells us something about the institutional apparatus around the production and circulation of images of nobility. Understanding this image requires us to delve into the history of the French aristocracy, their role in the cultural and political life of France, and the ways their images were carefully managed and disseminated. Resources such as historical archives, genealogical records, and studies of French court culture can illuminate the complex social dynamics at play.