Artwork

The Artist Painting a Lady's Portrait

The Artist Painting a Lady's Portrait, by Pietro Longhi, oil, 1740
The Artist Painting a Lady's Portrait, by Pietro Longhi, oil, 1740

The Artist Painting a Lady's Portrait is an oil painting by Pietro Longhi. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

The Artist Painting a Lady's Portrait is a 1740 oil painting by Pietro Longhi, currently housed at the National Gallery of Ireland. The work depicts a self-referential scene of an artist at work.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a male artist, dressed in a black hat and coat, engaged in capturing the likeness of a female subject wearing a long, white gown. The composition offers a glimpse into the artistic process, with the artist's focus on his subject.

Technique & Style

Longhi employed chiaroscuro to achieve a sense of depth and volume within the dimly lit room. Attention to detail is notable in the rendering of the subject's expression and the intricate folds of her clothing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1740, the painting is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Ireland, where it is available for public viewing alongside other works by the artist.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pietro Longhi

Artist

Pietro Longhi

Pietro Longhi was a Venetian painter of contemporary genre scenes of life.