Who painted Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman was painted by Alessandro Longhi in 1760.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Young Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Young Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman

Alessandro Longhi , 1760

Portrait of a Young Woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Alessandro Longhi. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1760 by Venetian painter Alessandro Longhi, this oil on canvas presents a young woman rendered with a restrained elegance. The work belongs to the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and exemplifies Longhi’s focus on portraiture within the decorative currents of the eighteenth‑century Rococo.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with a calm expression, her pale complexion contrasting with dark hair gathered at the back and a modest flower tucked near her temple. A light‑toned dress with a ruffled collar and a small bouquet at the chest suggest a modest yet refined social standing, while the gentle smile conveys a sense of personal poise.

Technique & Style

Longhi employs smooth, blended brushwork for the skin, achieving a delicate flesh tone, while the floral elements are rendered with looser strokes that hint at a more spontaneous handling. The composition relies on a dark, unadorned backdrop, allowing chiaroscuro modelling to emphasize the three‑dimensionality of the figure’s face and attire.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through a mid‑twentieth‑century acquisition, joining a broader collection of Venetian art. Its documented provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, where Longhi produced numerous full‑length portraits of the city’s aristocracy.

Context

Longhi’s career was defined by his service to Venice’s noble families, producing portraits that combined the elegance of Rococo ornamentation with a realistic attention to individual features. This work reflects the period’s taste for intimate, half‑length depictions that foreground personal identity within a restrained decorative framework.