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Alexander Roslin
Swedish, 1718–98
The Comtesse d’Egmont Pignatelli in Spanish Costume, 1763
Oil on canvas
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
The John R. Van Derlip Trust Fund
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The wealthy Comtesse d’Egmont Pignatelli could afford to sit for a fine portrait by Alexander Roslin, one of Europe’s most famous painters. From life at the royal court of King Louis XV of France, she knew the importance of appearance. Her portrait should highlight her best qualities and draw attention to her accomplishments.
The countess’s glowing gown of white satin has sleeves slashed and woven through with ribbons and pearls, in the Spanish style. It hints at her husband’s connection to the Spanish court and the couple’s habit of entertaining Spanish ambassadors at their home. The countess’s pose was carefully calculated. Since other famous women had been painted reclining in the same manner, it showed that she too was important.
The picture contains clues to the Comtesse d’Egmont’s favorite activities. A talented musician, the countess played the guitar for her Spanish guests. She spent her days studying history and literature and conversing with artists and poets. The book she is holding may be a work by the famous philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
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