Artwork

Portrait of a young lady

Portrait of a young lady, by Jan Ciągliński, oil, 1895
Portrait of a young lady, by Jan Ciągliński, oil, 1895

Portrait of a young lady is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Ciągliński. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a young lady is an oil painting created by Polish artist Jan Ciągliński around 1895. Although Ciągliński is associated with early Russian Impressionism, this work aligns with the Realism movement. The painting is part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a serene young woman, portrayed in a state of quiet contemplation. Her attire—a dark, buttoned outfit with a high collar and glasses—suggests modesty and perhaps intellectualism. The overall demeanor conveys a sense of understated elegance and introspection.

Technique & Style

The painting features loose brushstrokes, particularly evident in the treatment of the dress and the soft, faded blue background, imparting a slightly textured quality. The lighting is focused on the subject's face, enhancing its prominence against the darker, more subdued clothing.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1895 while Ciągliński was active in St. Petersburg under the Tsarist rule of Alexander III and Nicholas II, the painting is now housed in the National Museum in Warsaw, Poland.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Ciągliński

Artist

Jan Ciągliński

Jan Ciągliński (Polish: ; Russian: Ян/Иван Францевич Ционглинский, romanized: Yan/Ivan Frantsevich Tsionglinskiy; 20 February 1858 – 6 January 1913) was a Polish painter, active in St.