Artwork
Retrato de la esposa del autor
Retrato de la esposa del autor is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ernesto de la Cárcova. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Ernesto de la Cárcova painted this oil portrait in 1914. The work, titled "Retrato de la esposa del autor," is part of the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires. It presents a seated woman in a composed pose, rendered with a restrained palette that emphasizes subtle tonal contrasts.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as the artist’s wife, portrayed in a tranquil, reflective manner. She wears a long white dress with a high neckline, a dark circular brooch at the waist, and a white choker. A dark shawl falls over her left shoulder, and she holds a strip of white fabric, suggesting a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
Technique & Style
De la Cárcova employs a muted, dark background punctuated by faint red and green tones, creating a subdued setting that frames the figure. The facial features are softly blurred, enhancing a sense of introspection. The handling of light and shadow reflects a restrained chiaroscuro, lending depth without dramatic contrast.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1914, the portrait has remained in Argentina, eventually entering the holdings of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s early 20th‑century Argentine painting collection.
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Artist & collection
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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