CHAPTER VII.

THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

Contrast between the Academicians and Naturalists, and between the French and Spanish Schools of Painting.--Peculiarities of each.--Ladies of Rank in Madrid Pupils of Velasquez.--Instruction of the royal Children in Art.--The Engraver of Madrid.--Every City in the South of Spain boasts a female Artist.--Isabella Coello.--Others in Granada.--In Cordova.--The Sculptress of Seville.--Luisa Roldan; her Carvings in Wood.--The Canons “sold.”--Invitation to Madrid.--Sculptress to the King.--Other Women Artists in Spain.--In France Woman’s Position more prominent than in preceding Age.--Corruption of court Manners.--Unworthy Women in Power.--Women in every Department of Literature.--Mademoiselle de Scudery.--Madame de la Fayette.--Madame Dacier.--Women in theological Pursuits.--Their Ascendency in Art not so great.--Miniature and Flower Painters.--Engravers.--Elizabeth Sophie Chéron.--A Leader in Enamel-painting.--Her Portraits and History-pieces.--Her Merits and Success.--Her Translations of the Psalms.--Musical and Poetical Talents.--Honors lavished on her.--Love and Marriage at three-score.--Her Generosity to the needy.--Verses in her Praise.--Historical Tableaux.--Madelaine Masson.--The Marchioness de Pompadour. 85