Artwork

Cecilia Lindroos (os. Meyer) nuorena.

Cecilia Lindroos (os. Meyer) nuorena., by Johan Erik Lindh
Cecilia Lindroos (os. Meyer) nuorena., by Johan Erik Lindh

Cecilia Lindroos (os. Meyer) nuorena. is a drawing by Johan Erik Lindh. It is held in the collection of the Helsinki City Museum. The work is a portrait of a young woman, identified as Cecilia Lindroos (née Meyer).

About this work

Overview

The work is a portrait of a young woman, identified as Cecilia Lindroos (née Meyer). She is depicted in a light, off‑the‑shoulder dress trimmed with lace, set against a dark background that isolates her figure and emphasizes the contrast between her pale skin and the surrounding shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s hair is gathered back and accented with a modest floral headpiece, while a simple brooch secures the dress. Her calm, composed expression and the restrained elegance of her attire suggest a portrayal of genteel modesty rather than overt sentiment.

Technique & Style

The artist renders the soft folds of the fabric with delicate brushwork, allowing the lace trim to catch light subtly. The chiaroscuro effect created by the dark backdrop highlights the sitter’s face and clothing, a technique common in portraiture of the period to focus attention on the individual.

History & Provenance

The portrait is attributed to Johan Erik Lindh, a Swedish painter active in the late nineteenth century. It forms part of the visual record of the Lindroos family, reflecting the social standing and aesthetic preferences of the era.

Context

During the time of its creation, portraiture often served to document family lineage and personal virtue. The understated accessories and modest dress align with contemporary expectations for women of respectable middle‑class backgrounds.

Artist & collection

Artist

Johan Erik Lindh

Johan Erik Lindh filled small sheets with soft pencil portraits of Finnish families in the early 1800s.

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