An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Charlotte of Francec. 1522
Artist: Jean Clouet the Younger
French (Paris), 1475–1541
Portrait
7 x 5 1/4 x 3/16 in. (17.78 x 13.34 x 0.4 cm) (panel)
Oil on cradled panel
Painting
France
16th century
Bequest of John R. Van Derlip in memory of Ethel Morrison Van Derlip
In the heart of a bustling France, the court of King Francis I shimmered like a treasure chest of creativity, where the finest artists crafted their visions. Here, amongst the court’s gilded halls and lively banquets, a young girl named Princess Charlotte danced into the world, her presence as delicate and fleeting as the autumn leaves that swirled outside the castle windows.
At just seven years old, Charlotte wore garments that spoke of opulence—richly adorned silks that billowed softly around her, embellished with jewels that sparkled like stars caught in the depths of night. Perched atop her golden curls was a jeweled cap, a crown of sorts, symbolizing her regal standing in a world swirling with power and privilege. Yet, even amidst the grandeur, a single rosary nestled in her small hands hinted at a profound commitment, a reminder of faith that transcended the ephemeral nature of her existence.
But fate, oftentimes a cruel jester, dealt Charlotte a hand that would ultimately lead her away from the vibrant tapestry of life she was beginning to weave. Just a year after the colors of her portrait were laid down upon canvas, she would fade like a whisper, departing this realm before her eighth birthday could grace the pages of time.
In a tradition as rich as the silk she wore, European royalty commissioned portraits of their young heirs—each stroke of paint a testament to growth and promise. These cherished images were often exchanged like precious gifts between royal houses, a silent gesture of diplomacy that spoke volumes amidst rivals. Through these portraits, a shared heritage blossomed, unveiling the hopes and dreams woven into the fabric of each child’s budding life.
Though Charlotte's life was but a fleeting spark in the grand tapestry of history, her portrait endures, an echo of innocence and a glimpse into a world of opulence, faith, and the delicate beauty of childhood. In this still moment captured in time, the story of a child forever lives on, speaking softly to those who pause to listen, inviting us to reflect on the fragility of life, love, and the connections that bind us all.
About the artist
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