Artwork
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jean-Jacques Henner. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Woman is a 1864 oil painting by French artist Jean-Jacques Henner, held at the Clark Art Institute.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a woman with dark hair and a neutral expression, wearing a black dress with red sleeves and lace trim, facing the viewer directly.
Technique & Style
Henner employed sfumato and chiaroscuro techniques, characteristic of his work, to create a softly lit portrait with subtle gradations of light and shadow, emphasizing the subject's features against a dark brown background.
Context
Created within the Realism movement, the painting exemplifies Henner's application of traditional techniques to a contemporary style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Jacques Henner (5 March 1829 – 23 July 1905) was a French painter, noted for his use of sfumato and chiaroscuro in painting nudes, religious subjects and portraits.
