Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Joseph Blackburn, oil, 1762
Portrait of a Woman, by Joseph Blackburn, oil, 1762

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Blackburn. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1762 oil painting, Portrait of a Woman, is the work of English artist Joseph Blackburn, who was active in British North America. It is now part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene woman in a brown dress adorned with lace, holding a flower and standing beside a table with a vase of flowers. Her subtle smile conveys a sense of calm, while the dark background adds depth to the composition.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil paint with visible brushstrokes, the work showcases intricate detailing, particularly in the woman's dress. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark, adds texture and depth to the image, characteristic of the Rococo style.

Artist & collection

Artist

Joseph Blackburn

Joseph Blackburn (died 1787) was an English painter who worked mainly in British North America. His notable works include portraits of Hugh Jones (circa 1777) and Colonel Theodore Atkinson (circa 1760).

Brooklyn Museum

Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Brooklyn Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.