Madame Henri François Riesener (Félicité Longrois, 1786–1847)

Description

Madame Henri François Riesener by Eugène Delacroix is a portrait of Félicité Longrois, whose direct gaze lends the image a quiet, self-possessed presence. Her pale ruffled bonnet and collar catch the light against a restrained dark background.

A patterned scarf introduces warm red and gold notes among the deep folds of her clothing. The contrast between these lively accents and the softly modeled face gives the portrait both richness and intimacy, inviting attention to the sitter’s expression as well as the textures surrounding it.