Artwork
Beauté
Beauté is a print by the Romanticist artist Narcisse Virgilio Díaz. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Beauté, executed around 1849 by French artist Narcisse Diaz de la Peña, is a print held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary female figure positioned within a verdant woodland setting, rendered with a calm, contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a woman dressed in a soft, draped garment, her right arm extended outward while her left hand rests gently on her torso. Her expression is tranquil, suggesting an inner stillness that resonates with the surrounding natural environment.
Technique & Style
Diaz de la Peña employs a nuanced handling of light and shadow to model the folds of the dress and the surrounding foliage, creating a sense of depth. The print’s tonal gradations and delicate line work reflect the Romantic interest in emotion and the sublime qualities of nature.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, Beauté entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through a later acquisition, though the precise path of ownership prior to its museum entry is not extensively documented.
Context
The composition aligns with Romantic-era tendencies to idealize nature and the solitary figure within it. While not overtly narrative, the work embodies the period’s fascination with serene, contemplative scenes that merge human presence with the natural world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Narcisse Virgilio Díaz (1807–1876) was a French artist, born in Bordeaux.
