Elizabeth Frederica Sophia, Duchess of Württemberg 1746

Jean-Étienne Liotard rendered this portrait of Elizabeth Frederica Sophia, Duchess of Württemberg, in pastel. Liotard was one of the most celebrated portraitists in 18th-century Europe. The Duchess's gaze is composed but direct. Note how the features have been idealized, yet they retain an individual character. The aristocracy had specific expectations for portraiture. They sought images of themselves that were not just likenesses, but representations of status. The artist had to flatter the patron, but also suggest her intelligence and character. Pastel was a popular medium, because its soft tones lent themselves to creating a pleasing image. Liotard was interested in the play of light on the sitter's face, and the way that color could be used to create a sense of depth. Art historians consult sources like letters, diaries, and estate inventories, which reveal the networks of patronage that sustained artists like Liotard and the social rituals that portraits served. Art is always made for someone, and its meaning is always shaped by the context in which it is created and viewed.