Ingres, Jean Auguste Dominique – Mme. Marcotte de Sainte-Marie (1803-1862) Painted 1826, Salon 1827. Canvas, 93 x 74 cm R.F. 2398 Part 1 Louvre

Here we observe a portrait executed with meticulous precision and a restrained palette. A woman is depicted in a three-quarter pose, seated on what appears to be a plush cushion or chaise lounge. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying an impression of quiet confidence and composure. The composition adheres closely to neoclassical conventions; the figure’s placement, the smooth rendering of her features, and the overall sense of order contribute to this effect.
The womans attire is noteworthy. She wears a gown in a rich, earthy brown hue, accented by a crisp white collar that frames her face. A decorative belt cinches at her waist, adorned with what seems to be a jeweled buckle. The fabric drapes elegantly, suggesting both quality and refinement. In her left hand, she holds a small, folded piece of fabric – likely a handkerchief – and rests it upon a book held in the same hand. This gesture introduces an element of studied grace, reinforcing the sitter’s perceived status.
The artist has paid considerable attention to rendering textures. The sheen of the fabrics is captured with subtle gradations of light and shadow, while the softness of her skin is conveyed through delicate brushwork. Her hair, styled in a fashionable arrangement of curls and braids, further emphasizes the portraits adherence to contemporary aesthetic ideals.
The background is dark and undifferentiated, serving to isolate the figure and direct attention towards her presence. The limited color range – primarily browns, whites, and subtle flesh tones – creates an atmosphere of understated elegance.
Subtly embedded within this formal presentation are hints of personality. While the pose is conventional, theres a certain stillness in her expression that suggests an inner life beyond the surface. The book she holds might signify intellectual pursuits or simply serve as a prop to enhance her image as a woman of culture and refinement. The overall impression is one of cultivated respectability – a carefully constructed representation intended to convey social standing and personal virtue within the context of early 19th-century society.