Who painted Portrait of a girl?

Portrait of a girl was painted by Piotr Michałowski in 1840.

Where can I see Portrait of a girl?

Portrait of a girl is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

Artwork

Portrait of a girl

Portrait of a girl is an oil painting by Piotr Michałowski. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1840, this oil painting by Polish Romantic artist Piotr Michałowski portrays a young girl in a dark dress with a white ruffled collar. The composition places the sitter against a muted brown backdrop, her brown hair pulled back as she looks to the right, evoking a calm, introspective mood.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on a single figure, a girl whose gentle expression and quiet gaze suggest contemplation. The simplicity of the attire and the restrained color palette emphasize the personal character of the sitter rather than any narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Michałowski employs soft, delicate brushwork to render the girl's facial features and hair, while the surrounding background is treated with broader, muted tones. The overall handling reflects the Romantic period’s interest in atmospheric effects and emotional subtlety.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the portrait has been part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection, where it remains accessible to the public. The painting’s presence in a major Polish institution underscores Michałowski’s standing within the nation’s 19th‑century artistic heritage.

Artist & collection

Artist

Piotr Michałowski

Piotr Michałowski (July 2, 1800 – June 9, 1855) was a Polish painter of the Romantic period, especially known for his many portraits, and oil studies of horses.

Museum

National Museum in Warsaw

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