Artwork

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760)

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760), by Unknown, oil, 1797
Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760), by Unknown, oil, 1797

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

She holds a fan in one hand and rests the other on her chest, looking straight ahead with a calm expression.

A woman stands in front of a dark background, wearing a green dress with a high collar and lace cuffs. Her hair is pulled back, with a few curls framing her face. She holds a fan in one hand and rests the other on her chest, looking straight ahead with a calm expression.

The writing on the painting names her Teresa Tyszkiewicz, and it was painted in 1793. The brushwork is smooth, with soft shadows on her face and dress.

Look up chiaroscuro to see how this lighting effect works.

Overview

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz is an oil painting from 1793 depicting a woman in a green dress against a dark background, characterized by smooth brushwork and soft shadows.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Teresa Tyszkiewicz (d. 1760), is portrayed in a contemplative pose, holding a fan and resting her hand on her chest, conveying a sense of calm and introspection despite the posthumous nature of the portrait.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to create depth and volume, particularly evident in the soft shadows on the subject's face and dress, achieved through smooth, refined brushwork.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1793, the portrait is noted for being created after the subject's death (d. 1760), with the painting's inscription identifying Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz.

Context

The work reflects late 18th-century portraiture conventions, emphasizing the sitter's dignity and character through restrained yet expressive composition and lighting effects.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts or widespread recognition of this portrait are not detailed, it contributes to the broader legacy of chiaroscuro in portraiture and the representation of European nobility in late 18th-century art.

Portrait of Catherine II (1729-96), empress of Russia
Portrait of Catherine II (1729-96), empress of Russia, Vigilius Eriksen

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760)?

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760) was painted by Unknown in 1797.

Where can I see Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760)?

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760) is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760)?

Portrait of Teresa Tyszkiewicz née Tyzenhauz (?–1760) is associated with Rococo painting.