Artwork

Madame La Suire

Madame La Suire, by Albert von Keller, oil, 1894
Madame La Suire, by Albert von Keller, oil, 1894

Madame La Suire is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Albert von Keller. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Albert von Keller, a German painter of Swiss heritage, completed the oil canvas *Madame La Suire* in 1894. The work is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings and exemplifies the artist’s interest in portraiture during the late nineteenth century, a period when he was increasingly associated with post‑impressionist tendencies.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman dressed in a flowing white gown, accented by a red shawl trimmed in dark brown fur. Her hands are pressed together before her, and her face is rendered indistinct, lending an air of anonymity that invites contemplation of status and poise rather than personal identity. The subdued backdrop emphasizes her refined bearing.

Technique & Style

Keller employs a muted palette punctuated by the vivid red of the shawl, while the surrounding darkness creates a stark contrast that highlights the figure’s illuminated form. The softened edges and blurred facial features reflect a post‑impressionist approach, and the handling of light and shadow suggests an awareness of chiaroscuro without fully embracing its dramatic extremes.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, *Madame La Suire* has remained within the public domain, entering the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich where it is displayed as part of the museum’s representation of late nineteenth‑century European painting. The work has not been recorded in major private sales, indicating a relatively stable institutional ownership.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albert von Keller

Artist

Albert von Keller

Albert von Keller (27 April 1844 in Gais, Switzerland – 14 July 1920 in Munich, Germany) was a German painter of Swiss ancestry. He specialized in portraits and indoor scenes. Female figures are a prominent feature of his work.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.