Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse Du Barry, and her servant Zamor
Medium
Mezzotint in black on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Image/plate: 40.2 × 31.4 cm (15 7/8 × 12 3/8 in.); Sheet: 44.5 × 35.2 cm (17 9/16 × 13 7/8 in.)
Classification
mezzotint
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
103893
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
In this monochrome rendition of Gautier D’Agoty’s color portrait, Madame du Berry’s clothing and interior decorating details enjoy more contrast and legibility. Her reflection in the angled mirror suggests her role as an earthly, courtly Venus. The small cup offered by an African servant likely contains a popular delicacy, drinking chocolate. The last of Louis XV’s official mistresses, Madame du Barry would be executed during the Reign of Terror due to her royal associations.