Artwork

Portrait of a Lady (Possibly Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Neé Fitzgerald)

Portrait of a Lady (Possibly Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Neé Fitzgerald), by Horace Vernet, oil, 1831
Portrait of a Lady (Possibly Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Neé Fitzgerald), by Horace Vernet, oil, 1831

Portrait of a Lady (Possibly Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Neé Fitzgerald) is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Horace Vernet. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about this technique, you can explore the works of artists who have mastered it, such as Horace Vernet.

This portrait depicts a woman with dark, curly hair, wearing a black coat with a fur collar and a large gold bow around her neck. Her hands are clasped together in front of her. The background is a deep red color.

The woman's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal setting, possibly from the early 19th century. Her expression is calm and composed.

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting. If you're interested in learning more about this technique, you can explore the works of artists who have mastered it, such as Horace Vernet.

Overview

This 1831 oil painting by Émile Jean-Horace Vernet is a formal portrait of a woman, currently held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted with dark, curly hair, wearing a black coat with a fur collar and a large gold bow. Her calm and composed expression suggests a dignified individual, possibly Mrs. Patrick Campbell, née Fitzgerald, as the sitter's identity has been proposed.

Technique & Style

Vernet's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, characteristic of French Romanticism. The deep red background contrasts with the subject's attire, drawing attention to her figure.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1831 by Vernet, known for his battle scenes, portraits, and Orientalist works, this portrait is a representation of the artist's skill beyond his typical genre.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Horace Vernet

Artist

Horace Vernet

Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (French pronunciation: ; 30 June 1789 – 17 January 1863), better known as Horace Vernet, was a French painter of battles, portraits, and Orientalist subjects.