SANTERRE, Jean-Baptiste
(b. 1658, Magny-en-Vexin, d. 1717, Paris)

Portrait of a Young Lady with a Letter

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Oil on canvas, 91 x 73 cm
Private collection

This portrait is thought to depict Mademoiselle Christine-Antoinette-Charlotte Desmares (1682-1753), niece and student of the celebrated Parisian actress, Mademoiselle de Champmeslé (1642-1698). WShemade her stage debut at Comédie Française, Paris at the age of six and enjoyed instant success. A number of versions of the portrait are known, and it was engraved in 1708 by Nicolas Chasteau (circa 1680-1750).