Artwork

Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady, by Alvan Fisher, oil, 1840
Portrait of a Lady, by Alvan Fisher, oil, 1840

Portrait of a Lady is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Alvan Fisher. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created by Alvan Fisher in 1840, is a portrait of a woman. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a seated woman wearing a dark dress with a lace shawl, her hands resting in her lap. The plain, dark background emphasizes her figure.

Technique & Style

The artist skillfully used light and shadow to define the subject's face and clothing, creating a sense of depth. The detailed rendering of lace and fabric gives the portrait a refined appearance, exemplifying the use of chiaroscuro to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alvan Fisher

Artist

Alvan Fisher

Alvan Fisher (1792–1863) was an artist, born in Needham.