Who painted Young Woman with her Hair Untied?

Young Woman with her Hair Untied was painted by Bertalan Székely in 1870.

Where can I see Young Woman with her Hair Untied?

Young Woman with her Hair Untied is held by Hungarian National Gallery.

What movement is Young Woman with her Hair Untied?

Young Woman with her Hair Untied is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Young Woman with her Hair Untied

Bertalan Székely , 1870

Young Woman with her Hair Untied is an oil painting by the Realist artist Bertalan Székely. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1870 by Hungarian painter Bertalan Székely, this oil on canvas portrays a young woman whose hair falls freely around her face. The composition is simple, set against a dark backdrop that emphasizes the sitter’s calm demeanor. The work is part of the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery and exemplifies the realist approach to portraiture prevalent in the late nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented in a plain dark blouse with a white lace collar, her gaze meeting the viewer directly. Her untied hair frames a thoughtful expression, suggesting a quiet introspection. The subdued palette and lack of ornamental background focus attention on the individual’s inner state rather than external narrative, aligning with realist interests in everyday humanity.

Technique & Style

Székely employs a restrained realist technique, using smooth brushwork to render the textures of fabric and hair with fidelity. The chiaroscuro of deep shadows against the illuminated face creates a modest contrast that heightens the portrait’s solemn tone. While rooted in academic training, the painting’s directness and lack of idealization reflect the broader realist movement of the period.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the portrait entered the holdings of the Hungarian National Gallery, where it remains on display. Székely, known for both historical scenes and portrait commissions, produced this work during a prolific phase of his career, contributing to the national artistic heritage of Hungary in the late 1800s.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bertalan Székely

Bertalan Székely (8 May 1835, Kolozsvár, Transylvania, Kingdom of Hungary (now Cluj-Napoca, Romania) – 21 August 1910, Budapest, Transleithania, Austria-Hungary) was a Hungarian history and portrait painter who worked in the Romantic and…