Who painted Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl was painted by Francesco Solimena in 1700.

Where can I see Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl is associated with High Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Girl?

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

Artwork

Portrait of a Girl

Francesco Solimena , 1700

Portrait of a Girl is an oil painting by the High Baroque Italian artist Francesco Solimena. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1700 by Francesco Solimena, a prominent Italian Baroque artist, this oil painting depicts a young female sitter. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection and exemplifies the High Baroque aesthetic that dominated Italy at the turn of the eighteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents a girl with light brown hair gathered behind her head, draped in a soft white shawl over one shoulder. Her attire consists of a muted gold dress accented by a red ribbon at the neckline, suggesting modest elegance while the dark, unadorned background draws attention to her expression and bearing.

Technique & Style

Solimena employs a refined chiaroscuro, using smooth, blended brushwork to model the sitter’s skin and create a subtle three‑dimensional effect. Light falls on the cheekbone and the gentle curve of the lips, contrasting with the deep shadows that recede into the background, a hallmark of his dramatic handling of illumination.

History & Provenance

The painting has remained in private hands before entering the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Baroque holdings. Its attribution to Solimena rests on stylistic analysis linking it to his known oeuvre and the influence of contemporaries such as Luca Giordano and Mattia Preti.