Portrait of Anne Couppier de Romans (1737-1808)

Anne Couppier de Romans, a woman of remarkable beauty who became one of Louis XV"s mistresses, appears in this portrait from around 1750. The king"s mistresses were important patrons of the arts, and their portraits by court painters served both personal vanity and political display. Drouais"s ability to present women of beauty and questionable reputation with the same dignified elegance he brought to royal portraits made him invaluable to this clientele.

The portrait emphasizes the sitter"s celebrated beauty, with Drouais"s smooth, refined technique ideally suited to presenting flawless skin and regular features. The palette is warm and flattering, with careful attention to the play of light on the complexion. The costume, while elegant, may be less formal than royal portraits, reflecting the sitter"s position outside the strict hierarchy of the court.