Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Maximilien Villers in 1780-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

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

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Woman?

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

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Maximilien Villers , 1790

Portrait of a Woman is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist Maximilien Villers. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The Cleveland Museum of Art holds the piece, which retains its classification as a watercolor-on-ivory creation from the late eighteenth century.

Maximilien Villers executed this portrait miniature in 1790 using watercolor paint applied to an ivory support. The work is classified as a painting within the genre of portraiture, specifically functioning as a miniature. This technique of painting on ivory was characteristic of the medium, allowing for the fine detail required in small-scale likenesses.

The Cleveland Museum of Art holds the piece, which retains its classification as a watercolor-on-ivory creation from the late eighteenth century.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of a Woman was created in 1790 by Maximilien Villers on an ivory support, employing watercolor techniques typical of French portrait miniatures of the period. The miniature is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under accession number 1943.638. The museum's catalog notes the piece as a portrait miniature, emphasizing its ivory substrate and watercolor medium.

The available sources do not document the circumstances of its commission or its ownership history before entering the museum.

Overview

Maximilien Villers's "Portrait of a Woman," created in 1790, is a miniature painting on ivory. This work, housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicts an unidentified woman. The artist captures her seated in a chair, presenting a calm and composed demeanor.

The detailed rendering and focused composition exemplify the portraiture practices of the late eighteenth century, highlighting the subject against a subdued backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait features a woman in a white gown accented by a blue sash and a matching ribbon in her hair. Her left hand rests gently on a table, beside a small bouquet of pink flowers. She maintains a direct gaze towards the viewer, conveying an impression of serenity and composure. The arrangement of her attire and accessories, alongside her tranquil expression, contributes to a dignified portrayal.