Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Joshua Reynolds, oil, 1759
Portrait of a Woman, by Joshua Reynolds, oil, 1759

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joshua Reynolds. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the Kimbell Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1759, is a representative work by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a prominent figure in British art. It is titled 'Portrait of a Woman' and is part of the Kimbell Art Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman in a serene pose, wearing a light blue dress with a white shawl and pink sash. Her dark hair is pulled back, and she gazes to her right. The subject's elegant attire and tranquil demeanor evoke a sense of refinement.

Technique & Style

Reynolds's use of oil paint captures the folds and textures of the subject's clothing, while the cloudy sky and distant trees in the background create a soft, atmospheric effect. The painting's style is characterized by the Rococo movement's emphasis on elegance and refinement.

History & Provenance

Sir Joshua Reynolds, the artist, was a leading figure in British art, serving as the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts and receiving a knighthood in 1769 for his contributions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joshua Reynolds

Artist

Joshua Reynolds

Sir Joshua Reynolds (16 July 1723 – 23 February 1792) was an English painter who specialised in portraits.

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