Who painted Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate)?

Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1892.

Where can I see Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate)?

Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate)?

Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate)

Alphonse Legros , 1892

Portrait of Madame Kemp, Front View (3rd Plate) is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This portrait depicts a woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a dark dress with a high neckline.

This portrait depicts a woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a dark dress with a high neckline. The artist's signature and the year 1892 are visible in the top-right corner.

The subject's expression is serious, and the background is a plain, light color. The overall mood of the painting is somber.

If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume in depicted objects, you can explore more works by Alphonse Legros.

Overview

Alphonse Legros produced this print in 1892, portraying a woman identified as Madame Kemp. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Executed as a single plate, the image presents a frontal view of the sitter, rendered in a restrained palette and composed with a plain, light background.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown with dark hair gathered away from the face and dressed in a dark, high‑necked gown. Her expression is solemn, conveying a dignified seriousness. The simplicity of the setting and the direct gaze suggest an emphasis on the sitter’s personal presence rather than narrative context.

Technique & Style

Legros employs a clear chiaroscuro, contrasting the deep tones of the dress and hair with the luminous background to model the form. The print’s line work is precise, and the tonal gradations create a sense of volume within the limited tonal range typical of his late‑19th‑century prints.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, the portrait entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings, where it remains on view. The artist’s signature and date appear in the upper right corner, confirming its authorship and providing a clear point of reference for its acquisition history.