Marie, markiezin van Sévigné (1626-96) 1660 - 1670

This miniature portrait of Marie, markiezin van Sévigné, was made by an anonymous artist. It's painted with painstaking precision, using tiny brushes and a delicate touch. Look closely and you will see the material influence on the work's appearance, with its inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, color and form. The making of this artwork is influenced by skilled traditions, and it's clear that the artist has taken great care to imbue it with social and cultural significance. Consider the labor and politics involved in the production process. The amount of work involved in the creation of this piece is immense, and the materials used would have been expensive. This artwork is a reminder of the social and economic inequalities of the time. The importance of materials, making, and context is essential to understanding the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.