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Portrait of a Woman by http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/806116d2d909133f428ea56d07c4bff7

http://www.wikidata.org/.well-known/genid/806116d2d909133f428ea56d07c4bff7 · 1750-01-01

This striking "Portrait of a Woman" by Jean-Étienne Liotard, painted around 1750, holds a fascinating secret: for nearly two centuries, its creator remained unknown.

Notice her direct gaze and subtle smile, rendered with a luminous quality that seems to draw you in. Her elegant attire, with its intricate lace and brooch, speaks to a person of means and refined taste of the era.

Liotard, a Swiss artist famous for his pastel portraits, was only identified as the painter in 1941. Yet, even with this discovery, the full story of how this painting came to be and who the woman truly was continues to intrigue art historians today.

What do you think is the story behind her subtle smile?

Details

For nearly 200 years, no one knew who painted her.
For nearly 200 years, no one knew who painted her.
The painter's name was finally discovered in 1941.
The painter's name was finally discovered in 1941.
She looks directly at us, with a subtle smile.
She looks directly at us, with a subtle smile.
But the painter's identity is still a puzzle for scholars.
But the painter's identity is still a puzzle for scholars.
Transcript

This woman was painted around 1750. For nearly 200 years, no one knew who painted her. The painter's name was finally discovered in 1941. She looks directly at us, with a subtle smile. Her eyes are luminous, drawing you into the painting. But the painter's identity is still a puzzle for scholars.