Artwork

Lady with Turban

Lady with Turban, by Antoine Pesne, oil, 1710
Lady with Turban, by Antoine Pesne, oil, 1710

Lady with Turban is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Antoine Pesne. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

About this work

Overview

Lady with Turban is an oil on canvas portrait created by Antoine Pesne in 1710. It is part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman with an enigmatic smile, dressed in attire indicative of high social status. Her turban, adorned with pearls and a prominent gemstone, alongside her luxurious clothing, conveys refinement and subtle opulence.

Technique & Style

Pesne employs oil painting to achieve a sense of understated elegance. The subject's slightly turned pose and the play of light on her face and clothing suggest a mastery of capturing subtle, nuanced expressions and textures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1710, the painting's history prior to its current location at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister is not detailed here. It remains a notable work by Antoine Pesne within the gallery's holdings.

Context

The painting reflects the early 18th-century European portrait tradition, emphasizing the subject's status through attire and accessories. The turban, while not common, adds a unique element to the conventional portrayal of elegance.

Legacy

As a work by Antoine Pesne, Lady with Turban contributes to the artist's legacy in capturing the essence of his contemporaries' elite. Its presence in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister ensures its continued study and appreciation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Antoine Pesne

Artist

Antoine Pesne

Antoine Pesne (French pronunciation: ) (29 May 1683 – 5 August 1757) was a French-born court painter of Prussia.