Artwork
Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean Petitot. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The piece is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, underscoring its significance as a documented example of the genre.
The painting portrays a woman as its central figure, functioning as a conventional portrait miniature from the early 18th century. Executed by Jean Petitot in 1700, the work is rendered in miniature on vellum and classified as a portrait. Its subject, a woman, serves as the typical representation of an individual sitter within the genre, reflecting the stylistic conventions of French portrait miniatures of the period.
The piece is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, underscoring its significance as a documented example of the genre.
Technique & Style
Portrait of a Woman is a miniature painted circa 1700 on vellum, measuring approximately 3.6 cm in height and 3 cm in width. The work, classified as a painting and a portrait, was created by Jean Petitot and is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its technique exemplifies fine brushwork characteristic of early 18th‑century miniature portraiture, with delicate handling on the thin vellum support.
The sources note the material as miniature and vellum and record the dimensions, but they do not provide detailed information on the current condition of the piece.
Overview
Portrait of a Woman is a miniature painting attributed to Jean Petitot, an enamel painter from the Republic of Geneva. Created in 1700, this small-scale work reflects the artist's reputation for serving European royal courts throughout the 17th century. The painting is currently held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a popular genre of portraiture that emphasized intricate detail within a compact format.
History & Provenance
Jean Petitot, a skilled enamel painter, was highly sought after by European royalty, receiving commissions from the courts of France and England during the 17th century. This particular miniature, created in 1700, exemplifies the demand for intimate and finely detailed portraits among the elite. While its specific early ownership history is not provided, the artwork eventually became a part of the extensive collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Petitot (July 12, 1607 – April 3, 1691) was an enamel painter from the Republic of Geneva, who spent most of his career working for the courts of France and England.













