Charles-Antoine Coypel was deeply interested in the theater. He wrote tragedies and comedies and painted a number of portraits of the most celebrated actors and actresses of his time, such as Baron and Adrienne Lecouvreur. Coypel painted at least three portraits of Adrienne Lecouvreur: one only known through an engraving by Drevet and the others in the role of Cornelie and Artemise, G. Monval Lettres d'Adrienne Lecouvreur et iconographie, Paris, 1872, pp. 163-7.
Adrienne Lecouvreur was the most gifted actress of her period. She was born in 1692 and began to act at a very early age. She was particularly well known for the tone of her voice, which was varied and less declamatory than the style of the previous generation. She is perhaps most famous for her relationship with the young Maurice de Saxe. When the Marechal became ruler of Courland and needed funds she did not hesitate to sell her diamonds and silver to raise the money