Artwork
Retrato de Pauline Virginie
Retrato de Pauline Virginie is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jean François Millet. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Retrato de Pauline Virginie is an oil painting created by Jean-François Millet around 1854. It stands as an exception to the artist's predominant focus on rural and peasant life scenes, instead presenting a portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Pauline Virginie, is portrayed with solemnity, her direct gaze, dark attire, and simple yet elegant accessories conveying a sense of understated dignity. The composition focuses attention on her face and upper body.
Technique & Style
Millet employs chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, juxtaposing light and dark to imbue the portrait with depth and dimensionality. This technique, characteristic of Realist pursuits of verisimilitude, highlights the subject's features.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the National Museum of Fine Arts collection in Buenos Aires. Unlike Millet's more common rural themes, this work showcases his versatility within the Realism movement.
Context
While Millet is renowned for landscapes and peasant scenes, Retrato de Pauline Virginie reflects his broader artistic scope, which also included pastels, crayon drawings, and etchings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-François Millet (French pronunciation: ; 4 October 1814 – 20 January 1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon school in rural France.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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