19th-century French school, following 18th-century models

19th-century French school, following 18th-century models.
“Marie Antoinette.”
Pastel on paper mounted on wood.
The 19th-century frame has some damage.
Measurements: 55 x 45 cm; 67 x 56 x 5 cm (frame).

This portrait presents an idealized and refined image of Marie Antoinette, typical of late 18th-century French court portraiture. Depicted in a bust portrait in an oval format, the queen appears with a delicate, powdered hairstyle adorned with a blue ribbon, a softly modeled face, and a serene and elegant expression. She wears a low-cut neckline with a blue shawl draped over her shoulder, while the range of pastel tones and soft transitions create an ethereal atmosphere characteristic of the pastel technique. The composition conveys grace, youth, and distinction, and evokes the aesthetic of the portraits created by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun and her circle.