Who painted Female Portrait?

Female Portrait was painted by Korneli Szlegel in 1854.

Where can I see Female Portrait?

Female Portrait is held by National Museum in Kraków.

Can I buy a print of Female Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Female Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Female Portrait

Korneli Szlegel , 1854

Female Portrait is an oil painting by Korneli Szlegel. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1854, this oil painting by Korneli Szlegel depicts a seated woman in a three‑quarter view. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Kraków, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century Polish artworks.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a dark‑haired woman dressed in a green gown trimmed with lace, complemented by a pearl necklace and a white floral headpiece. She gazes directly at the viewer with a composed, neutral expression, suggesting a formal portrait intended to convey dignity and poise.

Technique & Style

Szlegel employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using contrasts of light and shadow to give the face and drapery a three‑dimensional presence. The background features a softened landscape of trees and water, rendered in muted tones that recede behind the sharply lit subject.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the National Museum in Kraków’s holdings sometime after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s representation of mid‑19th‑century Polish portraiture. No further ownership changes are recorded.

Context

Mid‑1800s Polish portraiture often emphasized realistic detail and a restrained elegance, reflecting both academic training and emerging national sensibilities. Szlegel’s work aligns with these trends, presenting a refined individual within a modest natural setting.