Artwork
Princess Anna B. Belosselsky-Belozersky née Kozitsky
Princess Anna B. Belosselsky-Belozersky née Kozitsky is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The portrait presents Princess Anna B.
About this work
Overview
The portrait presents Princess Anna B. Belosselsky‑Belozersky, née Kozitsky, rendered in oil on canvas. She is positioned against an unadorned, dark backdrop, allowing the figure to dominate the composition. The work emphasizes her facial features and hands through a subtle contrast of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter wears a wide‑brimmed hat and a light‑toned dress with a low neckline and ruffled sleeves, complemented by a greenish‑blue bow at the chest. Her hair is neatly pulled back, suggesting a composed, aristocratic bearing typical of early‑twentieth‑century portraiture.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, a method that manipulates illumination to model form. Soft, focused light bathes the face and hands, while the surrounding darkness recedes, creating a three‑dimensional effect and drawing the viewer’s attention to the sitter’s expression.
Context
The painting reflects the conventions of high‑society portraiture, where subdued backgrounds and controlled lighting serve to highlight status and personal elegance. The choice of a simple backdrop aligns with contemporary trends that favored the individual over elaborate settings.
Artist & collection
- Madame Sophie of France as a Vestal Virgin
Rouva Werner
Madame Grand (Noël Catherine Verlée, 1761–1835)
A Young Lady in a Yellow Gown with Blue Ribbons
Young Woman with Flowers in Her Hair
Portrait of a lady in a white dress
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of Elisabeth Hervey, Countess of Bristol (1733-1800)
Élisabeth-Charlotte d'Orléans, Duchesse de Lorraine (?)
Louise-Henriette-Gabrielle de Lorraine, princesse de Turenne, duchesse de Bouillon (1718-1788)
Portrait of an Unknown Woman with a Rose
Portret de femeie