Artwork

Cornelia Lotz in Black

Cornelia Lotz in Black, by Károly Lotz, oil, 1898
Cornelia Lotz in Black, by Károly Lotz, oil, 1898

Cornelia Lotz in Black is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Károly Lotz. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, this oil on canvas by Hungarian painter Károly Lotz portrays a seated woman in a formal black dress. The composition is anchored by a plush couch and a richly framed mirror that reflects the sitter, establishing a quiet, interior scene that now belongs to the Hungarian National Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a woman—presumably Cornelia Lotz—relaxed on a settee, her posture composed and her gaze turned slightly left. The restrained expression and the reflective surface suggest introspection, while the dark attire and subdued palette convey a sense of dignity and modesty typical of late‑19th‑century portraiture.

Technique & Style

Lotz employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using strong contrasts of light and shadow that give the dress and the surrounding space a three‑dimensional quality. The mirror’s glossy surface reflects the sitter, adding depth and a subtle play of light that guides the viewer’s focus toward the face.

History & Provenance

The painting was completed in 1898 and has remained in public collections, eventually entering the holdings of the Hungarian National Gallery. Its accession reflects the museum’s commitment to representing prominent Hungarian artists of the period and preserving works that illustrate domestic portraiture of the era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Károly Lotz

Artist

Károly Lotz

Károly Lotz (1833–1904) was an artist, born in Bad Homburg vor der Höhe.