Artwork
Retrato de la Señora Elvira Lavalleja de Calzadilla
Retrato de la Señora Elvira Lavalleja de Calzadilla is an oil painting by Prilidiano Pueyrredón. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
This painting is a great example of the work of Prilidiano Pueyrredón, who was known for his portraits of Argentine society in the 19th century.
This painting shows a woman in a gray dress with blue accents, sitting in front of a landscape. She has dark hair and is holding a white shawl and a red parasol. The background is a serene landscape with trees and a body of water.
The woman's dress is intricately detailed, with ruffles and bows that add texture to the painting. Her expression is calm and introspective, inviting the viewer to ponder her thoughts.
This painting is a great example of the work of Prilidiano Pueyrredón, who was known for his portraits of Argentine society in the 19th century.
Overview
Created in 1859 by Argentine artist Prilidiano Pueyrredón, this oil painting depicts a seated woman in a gray dress with blue detailing. She holds a white shawl and a red parasol, set against a tranquil landscape of trees and water. The work is part of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents a calm, introspective woman whose expression invites contemplation. Her attire, complete with ruffles, bows, and a contrasting parasol, suggests a genteel status within 19th‑century Argentine society, while the surrounding scenery adds a sense of serenity and personal reflection.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting showcases Pueyrredón’s meticulous handling of fabric textures and delicate brushwork. The nuanced rendering of light on the dress and the subtle atmospheric perspective of the background reflect the artist’s costumbrist interest in everyday realism.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the portrait entered the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, where it remains on display. It represents an early example of Pueyrredón’s work that helped establish his reputation as a leading painter of Argentine society.
Context
Pueyrredón, also trained as an architect and engineer, was among the first Argentine painters to focus on portraiture and genre scenes. This work aligns with his broader interest in documenting the customs and individuals of his time, contributing to the visual record of mid‑19th‑century Argentina.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Prilidiano Pueyrredón (January 24, 1823 – November 3, 1870) was an Argentine painter, architect and engineer. One of the country's first prominent painters, he was known for his costumbrist sensibility and preference for everyday themes.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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