evolving trends

François Hubert Drouais

Marie Rinteau, called Mademoiselle de Verrières, 1761

Oil on canvas | The MET 49.7.47 

Marie Rinteau is best known today as the great-grandmother of the writer George Sand, but in her own time, she and her sister Geneviève briefly found acclaim on the French stage—her role as a performer subtly referenced by the sheet music in her hand. The sisters also gained notoriety as refined courtesans, remembered collectively as les demoiselles de Verrières. This elegant portrait, painted by the fashionable artist Jean-Baptiste Drouais and exhibited at the Salon of 1761, shows Rinteau seated at her dressing table. Interestingly, the towering, ribbon-laced hairstyle seen here was a later addition: sometime in the 1770s, either Drouais or another hand updated the wig to reflect the evolving trends of the time.

Angelina - Club Sandwich

Paris - Musée du Louvre

Indulge in a taste of Parisian elegance with Angelina's exquisite club sandwich. Far from your average deli fare, this delicate creation features tender chicken fillet, bacon, and perfectly fried eggs, all layered with a vibrant, crunchy slaw and brought together by their homemade mayonnaise and mustard. It's a refined take on a classic, offering a delightful and satisfying meal amidst the grandeur of one of Paris's most iconic institutions.

Jean Marc Nattier, Portrait of a Woman, 1753 

Oil on canvas | The MET 1982.60.42 

Nattier’s widespread success in portraying French aristocratic women rested more on aesthetic conformity than on capturing individual likeness. His portraits consistently feature the same idealized elements: luminous ivory skin paired with vivid blush, powdered hair, and delicate facial features set against sunlit landscapes. In this late painting—signed and dated on the tree trunk—a vibrant spray of flowers enlivens the scene, while a striking blue ribbon draws the eye to the sitter’s exposed neck and shoulders. Subtle changes to the ribbon and hairstyle, now visible as ghostly traces or pentimenti, reveal Nattier’s adjustments during the painting process.

A cucumber tea sandwich is a staple of traditional afternoon tea, prized for its simplicity and elegance. Typically made with thinly sliced cucumber on buttered white bread—crusts removed and cut into neat shapes—it offers a cool, refreshing bite. Some variations include cream cheese or herbed spreads for added flavor. Light seasoning, such as salt, pepper, or fresh dill, enhances the cucumber’s subtle taste. Served chilled, it’s perfect for warm weather and refined gatherings. Though humble, the cucumber sandwich symbolizes classic British tea culture: unfussy yet elegant, offering a crisp, delicate balance of flavor and tradition in every bite.

John Russell, Mrs. William Man Godschall, 1791 

Pastel on paper on canvas | The MET 61.182.2 

John Russell was the preeminent pastellist in late 18th-century England, renowned for his vivid, luminous technique and meticulous attention to detail. A devout Methodist and passionate observer of light and color, Russell studied under François Cotes, one of the leading portraitists of the earlier Georgian period. From 1769 to 1806, he exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, where he was elected a full member. This 1791 portrait of Sarah Godschall, elegantly rendered in pastel, was commissioned alongside a matching likeness of her husband, William Man Godschall, to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. The portrait reflects both Russell's refined style and the genteel domestic virtues celebrated in Georgian portraiture.

A fried chicken tea sandwich brings a playful, Southern twist to traditional teatime fare. Crispy, golden-brown chicken—seasoned and fried to perfection—is nestled between slices of soft white bread or buttery brioche. A smear of tangy mayonnaise or honey mustard adds brightness, while thin pickles or a touch of slaw bring crunch and acidity. Cut into neat quarters or triangles, these sandwiches are elegant yet indulgent, ideal for brunch, picnics, or a modern afternoon tea. Best served warm or room temperature, fried chicken tea sandwiches strike a delicious balance between comfort food and refined snacking.

Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Madame Grand, 1783 

Oil on canvas | The MET 50.135.2 

Born near Pondicherry, India, Madame Grand came from a French colonial background and became widely celebrated for her striking beauty. Her marriage to the influential diplomat Talleyrand only amplified public fascination. Nicknamed l’Indienne by both admirers and critics, her origins were romanticized and exoticized within elite French circles. In this expressive portrait—her eyes lifted and lips slightly parted, as if mid-song—Vigée Le Brun captures her with both delicacy and drama. The work was one of ten portraits and three history paintings the artist exhibited at the 1783 Salon, marking the same year she gained rare admission to the French Royal Academy as one of only four women.

Ham and cheese tea sandwiches are a timeless, savory treat perfect for afternoon gatherings. Typically made with soft white or whole wheat bread, the crusts are trimmed for a refined presentation. Thin slices of smoked or honey-glazed ham are layered with mild cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar, or cream cheese for a smooth, creamy contrast. A touch of Dijon mustard or herbed butter adds a subtle zing, elevating the flavor without overpowering. These petite sandwiches are often cut into elegant triangles or finger-sized rectangles, making them easy to serve and enjoy. They pair beautifully with black tea or sparkling lemonade.

 Jean Marc Nattier,

Madame Bergeret de Frouville as Diana, 1756 

Oil on canvas | The MET 03.37.3 

Diana, goddess of the hunt, was a model of female virtue and power, but  she was also often eroticized, surrounded by her nymphs bathing in the  forest. Nattier used her disguise when portraying many of his female  sitters, layering contemporary hairstyles and makeup with studio props,  including the bow, quiver, and panther skin. This portrait is among the  most accomplished examples of this means of elevating a work out of the  everyday. Its artifice and self-conscious performativity are  characteristic of a society steeped in theater and masquerade. Bergeret  de Frouville’s husband was an important patron of other leading French  painters, including François Boucher and Hubert Robert.

This chicken salad tea sandwich is a fresh and elegant twist on a classic. Tender, finely chopped chicken is mixed with a light mayonnaise dressing, accented with crisp diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch. Italian parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the flavors and gives the salad a garden-fresh appeal. Served between slices of soft white or whole wheat bread, crusts removed and cut into tidy triangles or fingers, the sandwich is both delicate and satisfying. Perfect for an afternoon tea or warm-weather luncheon, it offers a cool, savory bite that pairs beautifully with chilled drinks and floral teas.

François Boucher, Pompadour at Her Toilette,  1750 Oil on Canvas | Harvard 1966.47 

This portrait of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour, originally painted around 1745, underwent several major alterations. Initially a rectangular bust-length image, it was later expanded by François Boucher into a larger toilette scene with added canvas strips, visible in X-radiographs. These additions were primed with dense lead white, while the original canvas used darker, earth-based pigments. In the late 18th century, the painting was reshaped into its current oval form by trimming the corners and attaching curved pieces, this time using lower-density pigments. These transformations reflect evolving artistic techniques and preferences throughout the 18th century.

This refreshing tea sandwich combines the delicate flavors of tarragon, cream cheese, and cucumber for a light yet satisfying bite. Fresh tarragon adds a subtle anise note to softened cream cheese, creating a fragrant spread that pairs beautifully with thinly sliced cucumber. The mixture is best served between slices of soft white or whole wheat bread with the crusts removed for an elegant presentation. The crispness of the cucumber balances the richness of the cheese, making it ideal for warm afternoons or garden gatherings. Garnish with a sprig of tarragon or a cucumber curl for an extra touch of charm.

Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun

Marie Antoinette with a Rose, 1783

Oil on canvas | Versailles | MV 3893

At the 1783 Salon, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun presented a bold portrayal of Queen Marie Antoinette that immediately provoked debate. Rather than appearing in regal finery, the queen was shown wearing a lightweight muslin “gaulle” gown—an informal, pastoral style that many deemed inappropriate for a monarch. The relaxed image, though fashionable at court, scandalized the public. In response to the backlash, Vigée Le Brun quickly painted a second portrait, this time dressing the queen in a more formal grey-blue silk gown. This elegant revision aligned with traditional royal expectations and discreetly promoted Lyon’s struggling silk industry. Several versions of the silk-gown portrait were created, including one now housed at Versailles.

Serving egg salad as a tea sandwich transforms a humble classic into a refined, bite-sized delight. When prepared with care—using finely chopped eggs, a touch of creamy mayonnaise, a hint of mustard or herbs like chives or dill—the result is delicate, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Cut into neat, crustless quarters or finger shapes and served on soft white or brioche bread, egg salad becomes elegant and approachable. It’s familiar yet elevated, offering rich texture and a satisfying savoriness that complements more vegetal or citrusy tea sandwich varieties. Ideal for afternoon tea, it adds a comforting yet sophisticated touch to the table

Jean-Marc Nattier

Madame Le Fèvre de Caumartin as Hebe, 1753

 Oil on canvas | NGA 1946.7.13 

Jean-Marc Nattier’s Madame Le Fèvre de Caumartin as Hebe (1753) reflects the Rococo taste for mythological portraiture. Geneviève Anne Marie Moufle de la Thuilerie, portrayed as Hebe—the Greek goddess of youth—holds a pitcher and bowl, while an eagle symbolizing Zeus rests beside her. Nattier combines the sitter’s recognizable features with classical allegory, creating a flattering image of grace and refinement. Her delicate expression, soft colors, and elegant pose are hallmarks of his style. Though cast as a goddess, her aristocratic poise remains evident. Now in the National Gallery of Art, the portrait embodies 18th-century ideals of beauty and nobility.

This open-face tea sandwich pairs classic flavors with refined presentation. A generous layer of cream cheese is spread over soft, crustless pumpernickel, providing a smooth, tangy foundation. Thin slices of hardboiled egg are arranged neatly on top, adding a creamy, delicate texture. Silky ribbons of smoked salmon are then draped over the eggs, offering a savory, subtly sharp finish. A touch of fresh dill or chives and a crack of black pepper complete the composition. Cut into dainty squares or rounds and served chilled, this sandwich is an elegant, satisfying addition to any afternoon tea or light brunch.