Artwork
Old woman in snow
Old woman in snow is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jean-François Raffaëlli. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Old woman in snow is an oil painting created circa 1850 by Jean-François Raffaëlli, a French artist associated with both Realism and Post-Impressionism. The work is part of the National Museum of Fine Arts collection in Buenos Aires.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays an elderly woman in a snowy setting, clad in a dark coat and hat, with a walking stick and a bundle of straw/hay. Her downward gaze and pale face convey quiet contemplation, evoking a sense of solemnity.
Technique & Style
Raffaëlli employed chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, focusing attention on the woman. The muted background, with yellow, blue, and gray tones, effectively captures the coldness of winter.
History & Provenance
Created around 1850, the painting is now held in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Buenos Aires. Raffaëlli, a versatile artist, also worked in sculpture, printmaking, acting, and writing, often depicting urban contemporary life.
Context
While Raffaëlli exhibited with the Impressionists, this work aligns more closely with Post-Impressionist tendencies. It diverges from his typical urban themes, instead capturing a solitary figure in a natural, winter landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-François Raffaëlli (April 20, 1850 – February 11, 1924) was a French realist painter, sculptor, and printmaker who exhibited with the Impressionists. He was also active as an actor and writer.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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