Portrait of Joanna Dzierzbicka

The sitter, identified as Joanna Dzierzbicka, is shown with dark hair gathered in a braid and a white headband, dressed in a white gown trimmed with a gold belt and a single strand of pearls. Her right arm rests on a brown cloth, conveying a calm, composed demeanor that reflects the conventions of genteel portraiture of the period.

Pitschmann employed oil paint to achieve subtle modelling of flesh tones and a rich texture in the fabrics. The background blends muted brown and blue tones, allowing the figure’s white dress and gold accents to stand out. The handling of light and detail underscores the artist’s commitment to precise, naturalistic rendering.

Born in Austria in 1758, Pitschmann worked primarily in Poland, producing portraits for the local aristocracy until his death in 1834. This particular painting entered the National Museum in Kraków’s holdings, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s representation of Polish portraiture from the turn of the 19th century.