Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn (1825–1860), Princesse de Broglie

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a towering figure of Neoclassicism, created this exquisite portrait of Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn, Princesse de Broglie, in 1853. Ingres, who considered himself a history painter in the grand tradition of Poussin and David, is paradoxically best remembered for his portraits, where his mastery of line and form truly shines. This painting exemplifies his mature style, blending meticulous detail with an almost ethereal quality. The Princess, depicted with a quiet dignity, embodies the refined elegance that Ingres sought to capture. His work often stood in contrast to the ascendant Romantic style of his time, as he championed academic orthodoxy. This portrait, like many of his celebrated works, demonstrates his profound influence by past artistic traditions while also subtly hinting at the expressive distortions of form and space that would later inspire modernists like Matisse and Picasso. It stands as a testament to his legacy as a portraitist who could imbue his subjects with both individual character and timeless grace.