Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Jean-Baptiste Isabey in 1835.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Jean-Baptiste Isabey , 1835

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Jean-Baptiste Isabey painted this portrait of a young woman in 1835. The artist later tweaked her look in 1843, swapping her hair and gown details to match changing fashion.

Isabey often worked for royalty. Here he used a gentle stippling method on a simpler subject, a young woman with books and writing tools.

Look up the artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey (French, 1767–1855).

Overview

Portrait of a Woman is a miniature painting by French artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey, created in 1835, depicting a young woman in simple attire surrounded by books and writing tools, showcasing Isabey's versatility beyond his customary royal subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a young woman, is portrayed in a contemplative setting with books and writing implements, suggesting intellectual pursuits. Her simple dress reflects a more subdued, potentially middle-class, representation, contrasting with Isabey's typical royal portraits.

Technique & Style

Isabey employed his characteristic delicate stipple technique in this miniature, achieving a soft, detailed rendering of the subject. A subsequent alteration in 1843 updated her hairstyle from an 'Apollo's knot' to ringlets and added gauzy sleeves, adapting the portrait to then-current fashion trends.

History & Provenance

Originally painted in 1835, the portrait underwent revisions by Isabey himself in 1843 to update the subject's hairstyle and attire. Isabey's body of work predominantly features royalty, making this piece an interesting deviation.

Context

Created during a period of shifting fashion and social values, the portrait reflects Isabey's ability to navigate both royal and more mundane subjects. The 1843 alterations also highlight the artist's awareness of the transient nature of fashion.

Legacy

While not a royal portrait, this work demonstrates Isabey's technical skill and adaptability, contributing to the broader understanding of his artistic range and the evolution of miniature painting in the 19th century.