Louise Francoise de La Baume de La Blanc 1644-1710 Duchesse de la Valliere, illustration from World Noted Women by Mary Cowden Clarke, 1858

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Louise Francoise de La Baume de La Blanc 1644-1710 Duchesse de la Valliere, illustration from World Noted Women by Mary Cowden Clarke, 1858", originally brought to life by the talented Pierre Gustave Eugene (Gustave) Staal. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Pierre Gustave Eugene (Gustave) Staal and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

Louise Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc, Duchesse de La Vallière (1644-1710), was a prominent figure in the court of King Louis XIV of France. Born on August 6, 1644, in Tours, she was the daughter of Laurent de La Baume Le Blanc, a military officer, and Françoise Le Provost. Louise entered the court as a maid of honor to Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orléans, who was the sister-in-law of Louis XIV. Her beauty and charm quickly caught the eye of the king, and she became his mistress in 1661, a position she held for several years.

Louise de La Vallière's relationship with Louis XIV was marked by deep affection and produced four children, two of whom survived to adulthood. Despite her initial reluctance to become the king's mistress, she eventually accepted her role, though she remained deeply religious and often struggled with guilt over her position. Her genuine love for the king and her modesty set her apart from other court figures, earning her a unique place in the king's heart.

In 1674, Louise retired to a Carmelite convent in Paris, where she took the name Sister Louise of Mercy. She spent the remaining 36 years of her life in religious seclusion, dedicating herself to penance and prayer. Her departure from court and subsequent life in the convent were seen as acts of sincere repentance, and she became a symbol of piety and humility.

The illustration of Louise Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc, Duchesse de La Vallière, by Pierre Gustave Eugène (Gustave) Staal, featured in "World Noted Women" by Mary Cowden Clarke (1858), captures her serene and contemplative demeanor. Staal, a renowned French illustrator, was known for his detailed and expressive portraits, which often highlighted the inner qualities of his subjects. This particular illustration reflects Louise's transition from a life of royal favor to one of spiritual devotion, encapsulating her complex legacy as both a beloved mistress and a devout nun.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.