EMILE JEAN HORACE VERNET (Paris, 1789-1863). "La reine donnant le voile á Madame de la Valliere...". Engraving printed in colour by le Vacher With frame by Esteva y Cia, with damages and faults. Dampness, wear, soiling and some faults. Size: 41 x 48 cm ; 50 x 56 cm (frame). Engraving that recreates the moment in which the Queen consort of Louis XIV of France gives the veil of the religious habit to the duchess of La Vallière. Louise Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc, Duchess de La Vallière (1644-1710), was a French noblewoman and mistress of Louis XIV of France. Louise retired from court in April 1674 and was professed in the convent of the Grand Carmelites in the suburb of Saint-Jacques in Paris. Her departure caused much excitement, especially because of the public apologies that Louise had to make to the queen. Shortly afterwards, she pronounced her perpetual vows, calling herself Louise de la Misericorde. She died in 1710 after 36 years of religious life. Emile Jean Horace Vernet was a French artist who captured historical and military events in his paintings. He was also active as a lithographer. Vernet received most of his artistic training from his father Antoine Charles Horace.