Jean Ducayer (1595-1685) Portrait Of Anne-Geneviève De Bourbon

Portrait of a Noblewoman Known as “The Little Princess of Longueville,” Attributed to Jean Ducayer (1595-1685).
Oak panel, single board, not parquet.

Jean Ducayer, a court painter active in the early 17th century, was recently rediscovered thanks to an exhibition held in 2022 at the Hôtel d’Agar in Cavaillon, the first ever dedicated to him. Likely trained in the circle of François Clouet, Ducayer stands out for his refined portraits of the Parisian nobility, which blend elegance, meticulous attention to detail, and idealized figures. His work reflects a portraiture rooted in the tradition of the French Renaissance, while also anticipating the stylistic developments of the reign of Louis XIII.

Anne Genevieve de Bourbon-Condé (Vincennes Castle, August 28, 1619 – Paris, April 5, 1679) was a French princess known for her beauty and love affairs, her influence during the civil wars of the Fronde, and her conversion to Jansenism. She was the only daughter of Henry II of Bourbon, Prince of Condé, and his wife, Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency; thus, she was the sister of Louis II, the Grand Condé. She was also the wife of Henry II of Orleans, Duke of Longueville. Although her life was initially marked by adventurous political and romantic intrigues, including her love affair with the Duke of La Rochefoucauld, the Duchess of Longueville eventually found refuge in religion, dedicating herself to charitable works under the spiritual guidance of Abbess Antoine Singlin of Port-Royal des Champs.

Numerous portraits exist, some attributed to Ducayer himself, depicting her in the early years of her life, wearing sumptuous embroidered and jeweled robes; this painting certainly dates back to her later years, as evidenced by the simple black robes she wears.

The painting was submitted to the Turquin Cabinet, represented by Mr. Stéphane Pinta, who confirmed the attribution to Jean Ducayer.

In excellent condition, housed in a magnificent 17th-century carved and gilded wood frame.

Dimensions Panel: 37 x 27.5 cm Frame: 50 x 39.5 cm