Madame Henri François Riesener (Félicité Longrois, 1786–1847)
1835
Delacroix captures the quiet dignity of Madame Riesener in this striking 1835 portrait, offering a far cry from his usual dramatic, lion-hunting scenes. Notice the incredible texture of her massive, ruffled white bonnet—it practically glows against the moody, dark background, showcasing his mastery of light in the Romantic style. She wears a rich, dark dress with a vibrant patterned scarf, looking directly at the viewer with a calm, almost piercing gaze that feels incredibly modern and intimate for the 19th century.
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