Portrait of the Comtesse Mollien

Portrait of the Comtesse Mollien from 1803 by Greuze is one of his final portraits, painted two years before his death in poverty. Despite his declining circumstances, Greuze continued to accept commissions from those who still valued his reputation as one of France's greatest eighteenth-century painters. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays theatrically posed figures, expressive faces registering emotion with unsubtle directness, a palette ranging from Rococo pastels in early works to colder, more sober tones after the Revolution.

The portrait demonstrates Greuze's enduring skill in capturing female character, though the broader handling reflects his late manner and advancing age.