1789 Louise Marie Adélaïde de Penthievre, The Duchesse d’Orléans signed and dated upper right - Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Lebrun (Collection Comte de Paris, Fondation Saint Louis, Chateau d’Amboise)
Its 1789 and the pensive Duchesse d'Orleans, shown here portrayed by Vigée Lebrun, has much to think about. The aristocracy of the day wasn't about to yield anything and the national finances were in the tank from supporting the American Revolution. It reminds me of the USA right now - Yield a penny of profit on health insurance or astronomically-priced prescription medications? Mais non! Stop playing games on Wall Street and put money to constructive uses instead? Mais non! Pay a sou of the huge gains made since 1981 back in taxes? Non! Do you think we care about the "lesser people" - the peasants! Zut alors!
From Wikimedia.
The Duchess' dress shows there was very little needed to evolve the styles associated with the Revolution - she looks Greco-Roman right here.
Keywords: 1789, Lebrun, Louise Marie Adelaide de Bourbon, Bourbon family, Orléans family, Princess, Duchess, French, long bouffant curly coiffure, cap, scoop neckline, jacket, chemise, elbow length sleeves, belt, buckle, close skirt