Artwork
Portret Joanny Serafińskiej
Portret Joanny Serafińskiej is an oil painting by Jan Matejko. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.
About this work
Overview
Jan Matejko's 1856 oil painting, Portret Joanny Serafińskiej, is a representative work from his portraiture oeuvre. The artwork is part of the National Museum in Kraków's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Joanna Serafińska seated, wearing a dark dress with fur trim and lace cuffs. Her serious expression is conveyed despite a blurred facial representation. A ring adorns her left hand, suggesting a personal or marital status.
Technique & Style
Matejko employed oil paint to achieve a somber, yet detailed representation of Serafińska. The dark background serves to isolate the subject, emphasizing her presence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1856, this painting showcases Matejko's skill in portraiture, a facet of his work distinct from his renowned large-scale historical scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Alojzy Matejko (Polish pronunciation: ; also known as Jan Mateyko; 24 June 1838 – 1 November 1893) was a Polish painter, a leading 19th-century exponent of history painting, known for depicting nodal events from Polish history.
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