Antoine Vestier, 1785

Portrait of a Lady with a Book, Next to a River Source

  The lady, equal parts doe-eyed and longing, upon first glance looks a little pensive, maybe even a touch bored.   There’s a slight pursing to her lips, her head cocked as if she might at any moment sigh.   Her finger is wedged in a book, keeping place.  Has she been interrupted?  Distracted by a provocative thought?   And this lady, after reading the heroics of a particularly dashing fellow, is wishing …. 

 This portrait reminds  of the one of Marie Antoinette by Vigee Lebrun.  Although the dress here is of fancier fabric, the design is similar to the chemise a la reine with perhaps the exception of long ruffled sleeves.