Portrait of a Young Lady with a Letter

This portrait is thought to depict Mademoiselle Christine-Antoinette-Charlotte Desmares (1682-1753), niece and student of the celebrated Parisian actress, Mademoiselle de Champmesl� (1642-1698). WShemade her stage debut at Com�die Fran�aise, 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).