Follower of Jean-Marc Nattier: Portrait of the Duchesse de Chateauroux as Thalia (18th century)

(Unknown)

A painting attributed to a follower of the French artist Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 – 1766). Marie Anne de Mailly-Nesle, Duchesse de Châteauroux (1717 – 1744) was the youngest daughter of Louis de Mailly, Marquis de Nesle et de Mailly, Prince d'Orange (1689 - 1767), and Armande Félice de La Porte Mazarin (1691 - 1729). She and three of her sisters became the mistress of King Louis XV of France, Marie Anne was his mistress from 1742 until 1744 and was very ambitious. During her period as the mistress of Louis XV, she had considerable influence over the state affairs. she died on 8 December 1744 after a short sickbed, convinced that she had been poisoned. Marie Anne is shown here as Thalia, the muse of comedy. Painting from the 18th century.