| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Gérard Edelinck after François de Troy |
| Published | [ca. 1696 - 1702] |
| Dimensions | Image 207 x 150 mm, Sheet 210 x 151 mm |
| Notes |
Half-length portrait of Marie de Miramion, dressed in plain attire with a scarf tied around her head, and wearing a crucifix and chain around her neck. Set within a simple oval, with the sitters name and details of her death inscribed below. Marie de Miramion, also known as Marie Bonneau, or Marie Bonneau de Rubella Beauharnais de Miramion (1629 - 1696) was a French woman known for her piety, and for founding a number of organisations. Marie was the daughter of Jacques Bonneau, seigneur de Rubelles, conseiller et secretaire du roi, and at the age of nine, her mother died. A few years later, at the age of fifteen, her father also died, at which point her aunt and uncle took on the responsibility of finding her a husband. The following year, she married Jean-Jacques de Beauharnais, seigneur de Miramion, conseiller du roi en sa cour du Parlement de Paris. He fell ill and died the same year, leaving Marie with their daughter, also called Marie. In 1647, Marie contracted smallpox, but recovered. Her daughter, however, became seriously ill with a chest ailment. Marie vowed that she would make a pilgrimage to the Chapel of St. Valerian should her daughter recover. The following August, whilst en route to the chapel with her mother-in-law, Marie, often described as a beautiful woman, was abducted by M. de Bussy Rabutin, and taken to his fortress, Chateau de Launay. He was eventually forced to release her, partially because she refused to eat or drink, and partially because the Queen Regent had learnt of the kidnapping, and had sent a regiment of soldiers to rescue Marie. Both Marie and her daughter entered the convent of the Visitation, on the Rue de St. Antoine, with her family seeing this as a precaution should M. de Bussy Rabutin attempt to abduct her again. In 1649, Marie took a vow of chastity. She went on to educate girls, and teach them to care for the sick. Marie also founded an orphanage, a refuge for endangered girls, and a retreat house. From 1678, she also served as a lay supervisor of the Filles de la Providence, and was a founder of a teaching order. Gérard Edelinck (1640 - 1707) was a Flemish printmaker, working in Paris from 1666. In 1675, Edelinck became a naturalised French citizen. François de Troy (1645 - 1730) was a French painter and engraver, and became principal painter to King James II whilst he was in exile at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. In 1708, Troy became the director of the Academie de Peinture. Ex. Col.: Félix Jouber, collector's mark on verso, Lugt 1502a Condition: Trimmed within plate mark, and stain to corners from glue on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £50.00 |
| Stock ID | 40052 |