Madame la Duchesse de Bourbon

A print showing a woman entitled, 'Madame la Duchesse de Bourbon', with the text, 'Louise Francoise de Bourbon Legitimée de France le 19 Decembre 1763. Epousa le ? Juillet 1685. Louis de Bourbon Duc de Bourbonnois fils unique de Monsieur le Prince', with the imprint, 'Paris Chez F. Guerard'. Louise Françoise de Bourbon, Légitimée de France (1673 –1743) was the eldest surviving legitimised daughter of Louis XIV of France and his main mistress Madame de Montespan.

The Duchess is wearing a mantua with an ornate petticoat. On her head is a small kind of fontange, a structure of wires and lace, which normally is much higher. She is also holding a fan.

This print was published by François Guérard (c.1680 – 1732), but it is uncertain whether he also designed and engraved it. Guérard was the brother of Nicolas, who was also involved with prints.

Further reading:
Reynolds, A., In fine Style. The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion, London 2013.
Ribeiro, A., Fashion and Fiction. Dress in Art and Literature in Stuart England, London 2005.