Artwork

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord, by François Dumont, watercolor, 1794
Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord, by François Dumont, watercolor, 1794

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist François Dumont. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The fact that it's made of ivory is interesting, as this material is not commonly used for paintings, and I'm not sure how it affects the overall look.

The painting is called Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord. It was made by François Dumont in 1788. The fact that it's made of ivory is interesting, as this material is not commonly used for paintings, and I'm not sure how it affects the overall look.

The use of ivory is a unique aspect of this work. Ivory is a hard, white material that can be carved or painted on, and it might have been chosen for its smooth texture.

You can learn more about this type of artwork at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Technique & Style

The work is a portrait miniature painted on a thin ivory panel with watercolor pigments, dating to 1794 and now in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The smooth ivory surface permits fine detail in the sitter's clothing and the harpsichord's keyboard. Dumont's technique features delicate brushwork and subtle tonal shifts that convey texture and depth, characteristic of French portrait miniatures of the late 18th century.

Formally, the composition balances the figure and instrument through a restrained palette, precise linear description, and careful arrangement of space.

History & Provenance

The portrait miniature titled Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord was created by the French artist François Dumont in 1794. Executed on ivory with watercolor paint, it is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1942.1139. The piece serves as a portrait of the late 18th century, attributed to Dumont's mature period. The provided sources do not list specific exhibitions where this piece has been displayed.

Context

François Dumont, a French miniaturist active in the late 18th century, painted Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord in 1794 on an ivory support using watercolor. The work is classified as a painting and portrait, reflecting its function as a small-scale likeness.

The piece exemplifies the French portrait miniature tradition of the period, a genre that combined technical precision with intimate subject matter, and its inclusion in the Cleveland Museum of Art collection underscores its place within the artist's oeuvre and the broader history of European miniatures.

Overview

François Dumont's Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord, created in 1794, is a miniature painting on ivory. This work exemplifies the refined portraiture prevalent during the Rococo period, capturing a woman seated at the instrument. Dumont, a French artist, specialized in such intimate depictions, which are now part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman engaged with a harpsichord, an instrument popular among the cultured elite of the 18th century. Such a portrayal suggested the sitter's education, social standing, and artistic sensibilities. The intimate scale of the miniature format further emphasized the personal connection between the subject and the viewer, often intended for private display.

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord
Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord, François Dumont

Artist & collection

Portrait of François Dumont

Artist

François Dumont

François Dumont (French pronunciation:; 7 January 1751 – 27 August 1831) was a French painter of portrait miniatures.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord?

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord was painted by François Dumont in 1788-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord?

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord?

Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Woman at a Harpsichord are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.