Portrait of Madame Drouais, née Anne Françoise Doré

Madame Drouais, born Anne Francoise Dore, the painter"s own wife, appears in this 1758 portrait at the Louvre. Spousal portraits by prominent painters are significant personal documents, and Drouais"s portrait of his wife shows the artist"s private affections expressed through the medium of his professional skill. The Dore family name appears in the "Mademoiselle Dore" portrait as well, suggesting family connections. Drouais was among the most successful portraitists of pre-Revolutionary France, working in the tradition of his father Hubert Drouais and studying under Carle van Loo, Natoire, and Boucher before establishing himself at court.

The wife"s portrait may show a more intimate, less formally posed approach than Drouais"s commissioned work, the familiarity of the relationship allowing a more natural presentation. The handling is characteristically smooth and refined, though the personal connection may introduce greater warmth into the characterization. The palette is gentle and sympathetic.