Artwork
Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Henry Raeburn. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
This oil-on-canvas portrait, created around 1799 by Scottish artist Henry Raeburn, exemplifies the British Romantic tradition. Raeburn was known for his refined brushwork and ability to capture individual character.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a woman with curly white hair, dressed in 18th-century attire, conveying dignity and reserve through her serious expression and downward-cast eyes. Her dark dress with white lace accents adds to the overall somber tone.
Technique & Style
Raeburn's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, with the contrast between light and dark contributing to the painting's mood. The detailed rendering of the subject's face and attire showcases the artist's skillful handling of oil paint.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Henry Raeburn (; 4 March 1756 – 8 July 1823) was a Scottish portrait painter. He served as Portrait Painter to King George IV in Scotland.



















