Artwork

Portrait of a Young Girl

Portrait of a Young Girl, by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, oil, 1772
Portrait of a Young Girl, by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, oil, 1772

Portrait of a Young Girl is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Young Girl is a painting created by French artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze in 1772. It is an oil-on-canvas work held in the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young woman with pale skin and light hair, wearing a simple white dress. Her calm, slightly distant gaze is set against a plain dark background, drawing attention to her figure.

Technique & Style

The portrait is executed in a Rococo style, characterized by loose and rough brushstrokes, particularly evident in the rendering of her hair and dress. The use of strong contrasts between light and shadow is notable.

Context

Greuze was known for his portraits, genre scenes, and history paintings, and this work reflects his skill in capturing the subtleties of his subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Artist

Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French pronunciation: , 21 August 1725 – 4 March 1805) was a French painter of portraits, genre scenes, and history painting.