Artwork

Portrait of a Young Girl

Portrait of a Young Girl, by Augustin Théodule Ribot, oil, 1863
Portrait of a Young Girl, by Augustin Théodule Ribot, oil, 1863

Portrait of a Young Girl is an oil painting by the Realist artist Augustin Théodule Ribot. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1863 by French realist Théodule-Augustin Ribot, *Portrait of a Young Girl* is an oil painting featuring a solitary figure. Characterized by its realistic approach, the work is part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young girl in a simple white dress with a dark neck ribbon set against a somber background. Her neutral expression and slightly blurred facial features contribute to an overall sense of understated realism, focusing on everyday life rather than idealization.

Technique & Style

Ribot, largely self-taught after initial experience decorating gilded frames in Paris, employed oil paint to achieve a realistic portrayal. The contrast between the girl's white dress and the dark background, along with the subtle handling of her facial features, exemplifies Ribot's realist technique.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1863, the painting's early history is not extensively detailed, but it is currently held in the National Gallery of Ireland, indicating its recognition within European art collections.

Context

As a work of the realist movement, *Portrait of a Young Girl* reflects Ribot's alignment with contemporaries who emphasized depicting ordinary life in a truthful manner, diverging from romantic or idealized representations prevalent at the time.

Legacy

While not extensively detailed in broader art historical narratives, the painting contributes to the understanding of Ribot's oeuvre and the broader French realist movement of the 19th century, offering insights into the period's artistic values.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Augustin Théodule Ribot

Artist

Augustin Théodule Ribot

Théodule-Augustin Ribot (French: ; August 8, 1823 – September 11, 1891) was a French realist painter and printmaker.