An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Comtesse d'Egmont Pignatelli in Spanish Costume1763
Artist: Alexander Roslin
Swedish, 1718–1798
woman wearing a white satin gown trimmed with lace and pearls, holding a book, and seated on a yellow sofa; woman wears pearl necklaces and earrings, with her hair decorated with pearls; guitar and music next to woman on sofa; black and white lap dog in LRC
53 5/8 x 40 5/8 in. (136.21 x 103.19 cm) (canvas)
71 x 56 x 5 in. (180.34 x 142.24 x 12.7 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Sweden
18th century
The John R. Van Derlip Fund
In the shimmering salons of 1760s Paris, where whispers of opulence danced through refined air, there reigned a figure of both grace and authority: the comtesse Septimanie d’Egmont Pignatelli. At just twenty-three, she was that rare blend of beauty and intellect, much like a young Jackie Kennedy, floating through the vibrant tapestry of Parisian high society. Daughters of this era were often spoken of in terms of beauty alone; however, the comtesse was a luminary, casting light on the great minds of her time.
Born of an illustrious lineage, her father served as a trusted adviser to King Louis XV, a connection that unfurled the petals of her destiny. But it was at fifteen, when she became the bride of Casimir Pignatelli, comte d’Egmont, that her life truly blossomed. His noble bloodline traced back to the ancient families of the Netherlands and of Naples and Aragon, placing Septimanie at the crossroads of culture and power.
Her influence was palpable as she championed the vibrant voices of the Enlightenment. Visionaries like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the prodigious Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart found not just encouragement but a true muse in her. She was an architect of ideas, fostering creativity and revolution around her.
The tale of the comtesse is immortalized in a painting by the Swedish artist Alexander Roslin, whose fame lay in capturing the essence of French aristocrats. In the portrait, the comtesse is clad in a stunning Spanish-style gown—a nod to her husband’s heritage. Draped elegantly, she exudes a majestic charm, intertwined with hints of her spirited character. At her side rests a guitar, a testament to her skill and passion for music, continuing the Spanish theme with an alluring grace.
The original frame cradling this artwork is an elaborate creation of craftsmanship, adorned with emblems of love: the torch of Hymen and the bow and quiver of Cupid. For this was no mere commission; the portrait was a gift from her husband, a declaration of their devotion, a whisper of wedded bliss encased in wood and artistry.
This portrayal of the comtesse Septimanie d’Egmont Pignatelli serves not only as a reflection of her beauty but as a window into a world where intellect and fashion intertwined, where every note strummed on her guitar echoed through the salons, resonating with the dreams and aspirations of a vibrant era.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.