Artwork
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The subject is presented as the main focus of the composition, adhering to the conventions of portraiture where the individual's likeness is the primary intent.
The artwork depicts a single female figure, identified simply as a woman within the portrait genre. Created in 1780, the piece is executed in the style of Peter Adolf Hall and currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The subject is presented as the main focus of the composition, adhering to the conventions of portraiture where the individual's likeness is the primary intent.
The provided records do not specify the sitter's identity, nor do they describe particular iconographic elements, symbolic objects, or deeper allegorical meanings associated with the figure. Consequently, the work's representation is limited to the visual presentation of a woman as the central subject of the painting, without further elaboration on her specific role or symbolic significance found in the available documentation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1780, this portrait depicts a woman and is executed in the artistic style of Peter Adolf Hall. While the specific circumstances of its commission and the identity of the original sitter remain unrecorded in the available documentation, the work's inception is firmly established within the late eighteenth century. The painting eventually entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently housed.
No further details regarding intermediate ownership transfers or the precise chain of custody prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the current records.
The portrait is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is recorded under accession number 1975.1.210. It entered the museum’s collection in 1975 and has been exhibited there in various contexts; the painting was included in the reinstallation of the European Paintings galleries in 2011–2012.
Overview
This small, circular painting, titled Portrait of a Woman, presents an intimate depiction of its subject. Its diminutive size and ornate frame evoke the appearance of a precious locket or a piece of fine jewelry. The artwork emphasizes the woman's features and attire, set against a stark, unadorned background that draws the viewer's attention directly to her.
Technique & Style
The painting exhibits a refined and smooth execution, characterized by seamless color transitions and an absence of harsh outlines. This polished approach contributes to the work's overall sense of understated elegance. The artwork is encased within a decorative metal frame, intricately detailed with small floral motifs and stippled patterns, which enhances its jewel-like quality and adds a sophisticated flourish to the composition.
Context
This type of intimate, finely rendered portraiture was a common artistic practice, often serving as personal mementos or displays of status. Such works frequently shared stylistic characteristics, including a focus on refined detail and a polished finish. Similar examples of small-scale portraits from various periods can be found in prominent collections, such as those housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrating a broader tradition of this genre.
Artist & collection
- Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman, Said to Be the Comtesse de Guiche
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Woman, Said to Be Princess Apraxine
Portrait of a Woman
The Reader
Portrait of a Woman
Grevinde Margarethe Moltke, f. Løvenskiold
