Ernestine-Frédérique, Princesse de Croy Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)

The portrait presents a young woman in a three-quarter view, set against a dark, indistinct background punctuated by foliage. The composition is framed within an oval, typical of aristocratic portraiture from the late eighteenth century. She gazes directly at the viewer with a somewhat reserved expression; her lips are gently parted, suggesting a quiet composure rather than overt emotion.
The artist has rendered her skin with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle variations in tone and texture that convey a sense of delicate health and refinement. Her hair is styled in an elaborate coiffure, characteristic of the period, piled high and adorned with pink roses secured by a ribbon. The voluminous hairstyle itself speaks to the fashion trends of the time, signifying status and wealth through its complexity and ornamentation.
She wears a gown of pale blue-grey silk, loosely draped across her shoulders and tied at the front with a flowing bow. The fabric’s sheen is subtly captured, hinting at luxurious materials. The simplicity of the dress contrasts with the elaborate hairstyle, perhaps suggesting an attempt to balance ostentation with modesty – a common ideal in aristocratic circles.
The background foliage, though dark, provides a sense of depth and naturalism. It serves not only as a visual foil for the woman’s pale complexion but also alludes to a connection with nature, a recurring motif in depictions of virtue and grace during this era. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated nobility.
Subtly, the portrait conveys an impression of quiet confidence and social standing. The direct gaze establishes a sense of intimacy while maintaining a distance indicative of her elevated position. The careful attention to detail in rendering both her physical appearance and attire reinforces the message of refinement and privilege associated with aristocratic identity during this period.