Artwork
Marie Simons, Mother of the Artist
Marie Simons, Mother of the Artist is an oil painting by Alexandre De Latour. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Marie Simons, Mother of the Artist is an oil painting created around 1829 by Alexandre De Latour, a Belgian artist known for both miniatures and small-format works. The portrait is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Marie Élisabeth Delatour-Simons, the artist's mother, in a reflective pose. She is depicted holding an artist's palette and brushes, suggesting a connection to her son's profession, while her contemplative expression implies a moment of introspection.
Technique & Style
De Latour employed chiaroscuro to achieve depth and volume, contrasting the illuminated face and hands of the subject against a dark green curtain backdrop. This technique contributes to the overall serene and introspective atmosphere of the portrait.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1829 by Alexandre De Latour (1780-1858), the painting is now held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Context
As a work by a Belgian miniaturist venturing into small-format oil painting, Marie Simons, Mother of the Artist reflects De Latour's versatility within the early 19th-century Belgian art scene.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this piece on broader art historical movements are not prominently documented, it remains a notable example of De Latour's work and a personal, intimate portrait within the Antwerp museum's collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alexandre de Latour or Delatour (22 May 1780, Brussels – 5 November 1858, Brussels) was a Belgian miniaturist. He also produced a few small format oil paintings.
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