Madame de Châtillon

This portrait of Madame de Châtillon, painted around 1563, dates to the late phase of Corneille de Lyon's long career. By this time, France was descending into the Wars of Religion that would ravage the country for decades. Lyon, as a major commercial center with significant Protestant and Catholic populations, was deeply affected by the religious conflicts. Characteristic of Lyon's approach, the work displays small-scale portraits on wood or parchment, blue-green or red grounds, intimate psychological likeness.

The portrait maintains Corneille's characteristic format and technique even in his later years, with precise facial modeling and delicate costume detail. The plain background and bust-length format focus attention on the sitter's composed, dignified expression.