Princesse de Broglie

Artistic improvements and commentary courtesy of Wimsey Bloodhound

Princesse de Broglie (Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1853, Metropolitan Museum of Art,New York). We now examine one of the best portraits by the great French neoclassical painter, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. Although Ingres painted many subjects, he is best known for his portraits, particularly this one. Ironically, although Ingres considered himself a guardian of the classical style and in direct opposition to the romantics such as Delacroix, his distortions of form and space presage modern art. Look at the beautiful Princesse and notice that her neck is anatomically too long. The Princesse was known for her reserve, beauty and dignity and this distortion helps enhance these qualities. Nevertheless, we can feel how accurately Ingres has rendered the fabulous richness of Princesse’s dress and ornaments. But as beautiful as the portrait is, see how much more beautiful it is with the addition of a Magnificent (and very dignified) Hound! Notice how the solemn demeanor of the Hound echoes that of the Princesses and how the noble Hound has carefully chosen a lovely headdress to complement the glowing silk and lace gown of the Princesse that Ingres has so brilliantly captured. (“Prince and Princesse Wimsey de Broglie”)