Artwork
Portret de femeie
Portret de femeie is an unspecified painting by Lucia Dem-Bălăcescu. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania. Lucia Dem‑Bălăcescu’s portrait, dated around 1850, presents a half‑length view of a woman.
About this work
Overview
Lucia Dem‑Bălăcescu’s portrait, dated around 1850, presents a half‑length view of a woman. The composition is set against a backdrop of muted pink and brown tones, overlaid with a subtle floral motif that frames the sitter’s head.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is rendered with dark hair gathered back, her right hand supporting her chin, suggesting a moment of introspection. Her direct gaze and softly colored lips convey a restrained yet intimate presence, inviting the viewer into a quiet exchange.
Technique & Style
Warm flesh tones dominate the face, while the surrounding chiaroscuro creates gentle modeling of features. The artist balances light and shadow to emphasize the three‑dimensionality of the sitter, and the delicate brushwork of the background pattern adds a decorative contrast.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1850, the work belongs to the early period of Dem‑Bălăcescu’s oeuvre, a time when Romanian portraiture was increasingly engaging with European academic conventions. Its subsequent ownership history remains undocumented in the available records.
Artist & collection
