Artwork

Roxelane

Roxelane, by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, ink, 1774
Roxelane, by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, ink, 1774

Roxelane is an ink print by the Baroque artist Pierre Adrien Le Beau. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Roxelane is a print created by Pierre Adrien Le Beau in 1774, combining etching and engraving techniques to depict a portrait of a woman within an oval frame.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Roxelane, is shown seated on a couch, dressed in a loose-fitting gown with an elaborate headdress and hairstyle. She holds a fan, and a nearby table bears a vase of flowers, conveying an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

Technique & Style

The piece utilizes contrasting dark backgrounds to highlight the detailed, intricately rendered figure and accessories, characteristic of Le Beau's work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1774 by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, the artwork's style aligns with the Baroque period, though specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

While Roxelane's historical context beyond the artist is unclear, the work reflects the Baroque emphasis on detailed, elegant portraiture.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Roxelane' is not extensively outlined in available information, though it remains a representative example of Le Beau's etching and engraving skills.

Artist & collection

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