Portrait of Louise Antoinette POSTEL
Fine Arts
Inventory number
2026.4.24.2.FA.GR.1814.FR
Description
Portrait of Louise Antoinette POSTEL, shown in strict profile against a dark, shaded background. Louise's head is turned to the left, her features rendered with a clear linear precision. Her hair is arranged in a curled updo, with tight ringlets framing the forehead and temples, while the gathered mass of curls at the back leaves a coral hoop earring clearly visible.
She wears a dark Empire-waist dress, fitted beneath the bust and lightly gathered through the bodice. A pale ribbon is tied at the high waist, forming a small bow at the front. The dress has translucent dark sleeves with subtle floral decoration, contrasting with the opaque bodice. Around the neck and shoulders is a broad white collar or ruff, finely worked with floral broderie anglaise and scalloped edges, covering the décolletage and framing the face.
Louise Antoinette POSTEL (1788–1819) was the eldest daughter of Augustin POSTEL (1749–1833), a wealthy bourgeois from Cherbourg, Normandy, and Bernardine PLANQUETTE (1755–1823), daughter of a naval helmsman. The couple had four daughters, among whom Louise Antoinette was the first-born. Born on 8 October 1788, she appears to have remained within her family circle throughout her life. She died on 20 March 1819, at the age of 30.
Materials
Pastel
Paper
Wood frame
Origin
1814
France
Dimensions
Length : 23 cm
Height : 33 cm
Related object
Portrait of Euphrosine Virginie POSTEL