Artwork
Lola Montez (1818–1861)
Lola Montez (1818–1861) is an ivory painting. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Lola Montez (1818–1861) is the subject of this oval painting, executed on ivory. The portrait presents a woman with dark hair, dressed in red, her calm expression and steady gaze central to the composition. The choice of ivory as a support is notable, distinguishing it from more common portraiture mediums like canvas, and contributing to the work's delicate scale and finish.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Lola Montez with dark, pulled-back curls framing her face. She wears a deep red gown accented by a lace collar, drawing attention to her upper body. Her direct gaze and composed, serious expression suggest a confident and perhaps introspective individual, allowing the viewer to focus solely on her countenance against a simple, light background, which emphasizes her features.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a technique characterized by soft transitions and blended edges, particularly noticeable in the rendering of Montez's face and hair.
This painting is rendered on an ivory support, a less common choice for portraits, which typically utilize canvas. The artist employed a technique characterized by soft transitions and blended edges, particularly noticeable in the rendering of Montez's face and hair. This approach, akin to sfumato, creates a delicate, almost smoky effect, contributing to the portrait's subtle and refined aesthetic and enhancing the lifelike quality of the skin tones.
Artist & collection
