Artwork
Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Henri Fantin-Latour. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The application of oil paint on a woven canvas support represents the standard materials and techniques employed by the artist during this period.
Executed in 1885, this portrait by Henri Fantin-Latour is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 100.3 cm in height and 81.3 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition focuses on a female subject, adhering to the genre conventions of the late nineteenth century.
The application of oil paint on a woven canvas support represents the standard materials and techniques employed by the artist during this period. While specific details regarding the current surface condition or the precise handling of the brushwork are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the physical dimensions and material composition establish the work's tangible presence within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
History & Provenance
The oil-on-canvas portrait titled Portrait of a Woman was created by Henri Fantin-Latour in 1885. The work depicts a woman and measures 100.3 cm in height by 81.3 cm in width. Historical records indicate that the painting was owned by Amédée Pigeon.
It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the specific commission details are not detailed in the available records, the work is firmly dated to 1885 and classified as a portrait within the artist's oeuvre.
Overview
Henri Fantin-Latour’s Portrait of a Woman, completed in 1893, is an oil painting that exemplifies the artist's approach to individual portraiture. Although created during the Post-Impressionist period, Fantin-Latour often maintained a distinct, more traditional style. This particular work is a notable example of his skill in capturing human likeness and is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a woman seated in a chair, her gaze directed outward, engaging the viewer directly. She is attired in a black dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, her hands gently clasped in her lap. Her hair is styled in a short, curly bob, and a small brooch adorns her neckline. Her expression appears serious and introspective, inviting contemplation.
Context
A French painter and lithographer, Henri Fantin-Latour is primarily recognized for his still-life compositions, particularly his detailed flower paintings, and his significant group portraits of Parisian artistic and literary figures. This individual portrait of a woman demonstrates another aspect of his artistic output, showcasing his consistent engagement with the human form and his ability to convey character through a direct and understated approach.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ignace Henri Jean Theodore Fantin-Latour (French pronunciation:; 14 January 1836 – 25 August 1904) was a French painter and lithographer best known for his flower paintings and group portraits of Parisian artists and writers.


















