French: Artist Unknown

Miniature Portrait of Madame Helyot, French Mystic of the Seventeenth Century

Madame Helyot (1645-1682), French Mystic of the Seventeenth Century

French
Artist unknown -- painted after a seventeenth century copperplate engraving by Gérard Edelinck (1640-1707)
circa 1800
3 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches (sight)

This charming portrait of Madame Helyot was painted approximately 118 years after her death. Bearing no signature or other identifying marks, the portrait remains unattributable; but it is clearly a copy of an earlier, seventeenth century engraving by Gérard Edelinck. The portrait was likely commissioned by or for a religious figure (perhaps someone associated with the Sisters of Saint Clare, the order that Madame Helyot herself was a member of), to serve as inspiration during his or her own spiritual journey.

Attribution Advice Welcomed: Do you recognize aspects of this miniature portrait that you believe should be attributed to a specific artist that we have failed to consider? If so, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions and invite you to contact us.