Madame Adelaide of France
About 1787
Oil on canvas
Adelaide Labille-Guiard (French, 1749-1803)
1982.21

Classroom Writing Prompts:

1. Looking at the painting, what can you tell about the woman from what is in the painting with her? Make a list of all the things you see in the painting and then create a narrative poem which profiles who the woman is and what her place in society is.
   (After the students have done this, then reveal to them who the woman is and what the objects say about her background.)
2. In a way, this painting served as propaganda in that it pointedly promoted Madame Adelaide as a virtuous woman. Use the painting as a way to talk about political propaganda today and the kinds of images and symbols used today to promote political candidates. Imagine Madame Adelaide as a political candidate for Congress...or promoting a political candidate. Write campaign speech she might have made for a group of citizens in 1787. Compare this painting to political campaign poster for a presidential candidate.
3. You are a part of a historical society and have just uncovered the painting above. You are trying to create a historical portrait about the young woman shown here. Without knowing anything about her, can you come up with clues to discover her identity? What would those clues be? Write down your clues and evidence and see if you can solve the mystery of who she is. Create a mystery short story, which reveals who she is to the historical society. (After students write down list, reveal who the woman really is and see how close they come)
4. A New York art company has just hired you to catalog their newest art acquisitions. You are to write a description of the painting above, giving as much descriptive information about the painting as possible in 100 words.
5. As a student of fashion, you have been given the assignment of critiquing the dress ensemble of the woman in this painting. Using descriptive language, create a picture with words to describe what she is wearing, head to toe. Clearly this was a favorite outfit of the woman. Within your description, explain why you think she liked it so much. The medallion within the painting bears these words about her deceased parents and brother, “Leur image est encore le charme de ma vie” ("Their image is still the charm of my life.”) Take that inscription and explain what you think it means in a monologue. Consider why we so often have pictures of those we love who have died around us.

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