# The bouquet of flowers.

The presence of the bouquet of flowers recalls the painter's early career as a still-life painter. He also painted draperies and flowers in the works of Peter Lely, who was in charge of many commissions.

In this oil on canvas, the bouquet is wedged between the detailed lace and a fold in her drapery, which she forms with her left hand so that the stems are not visible. The bouquet appears to be made up of carnations, the flowers of "love" or "the gods". These flowers represent beauty and emotion, symbolizing ardor and grace. In the context of the work's creation, following his daughter's wedding, these flowers are also a symbol of love. This isn't the first time Largillierre has inserted a carnation in a portrait of a woman; one of these flowers is also present in Portrait d'une jeune fille tenant une couronne de fleurs.

Nicolas de Largillierre, Portrait d'une Jeune
Fille tenant une Couronne de Fleurs,
1708-1710, 81.5x65cm.