Artwork

Funerary Portrait of a Young Girl

Funerary Portrait of a Young Girl is an unspecified painting. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a painted funerary portrait depicting a youthful figure with a serene expression.

About this work

History & Provenance

The Funerary Portrait of a Young Girl is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is listed as its collection and location.

The Funerary Portrait of a Young Girl is a portrait painting attributed to an unknown artist and dated to 1971. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. The work was classified as a portrait and has been part of the museum's holdings since at least 1971, reflecting its established provenance within the institution.

The Funerary Portrait of a Young Girl is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is listed as its collection and location. Within the museum's holdings, the painting is catalogued under the inventory number 1971.137. No exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.

Overview

The work is a painted funerary portrait depicting a youthful figure with a serene expression. A leafy wreath crowns the head, while the hair is arranged in two braids. Simple adornments include a necklace and earrings, and the garment is unadorned except for gold‑colored dots and linear motifs on the shoulder. The surface shows age‑related fading and cracking, yet the principal details remain legible.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait serves as a commemorative image, intended to honor a deceased individual. The calm demeanor and modest attire suggest an emphasis on the inner virtue of the sitter rather than social status. The wreath of leaves, a traditional symbol of mortality and remembrance, reinforces the funerary purpose, while the restrained jewelry hints at personal identity without ostentation.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera or early oil on a prepared panel, the painting employs a limited palette that has darkened over time. Gold‑toned dots and linear embroidery motifs are rendered with fine brushwork, creating a subtle texture on the shoulder area. The artist’s handling of light produces a gentle modeling of the face, allowing the serene expression to dominate despite the work’s aged condition.

Context

Funerary portraits of this type were typically produced for families wishing to preserve the memory of a young relative. The modest dress and simple jewelry reflect cultural norms that valued modesty and piety in commemorative imagery. Such works were often placed in tombs or memorial chapels, serving both as a visual tribute and as a focal point for mourning rituals.