Artwork
Maria and Her Dog 'Silvio'
Maria and Her Dog 'Silvio' is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Richard Hurleston. It is held in the collection of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Created in 1789, *Maria and Her Dog ‘Silvio’* is an oil painting that exemplifies the light, decorative qualities of the Rococo tradition.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1789, *Maria and Her Dog ‘Silvio’* is an oil painting that exemplifies the light, decorative qualities of the Rococo tradition. The work presents a young woman named Maria seated on the ground beside a tree, with her small dog Silvio lying at her feet. A calm landscape with scattered trees and a softly clouded sky forms the backdrop, lending the scene a tranquil atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
Maria is shown in a white dress, her right elbow resting on her knee while her hand supports her head, a pose that suggests quiet contemplation. The inclusion of her pet dog adds a domestic, affectionate element, reinforcing the Rococo interest in intimate, everyday moments and the gentle bond between human and animal.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting displays the delicate brushwork and subtle coloration typical of Rococo portraiture. The artist employs a luminous palette to model the figure and the surrounding foliage, creating depth through layered glazes that give the fabric, fur, and sky a tactile presence.
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to Richard Hurleston, a British portraitist who studied under Joseph Wright of Derby and spent time training in Italy before returning to England. Hurleston’s career was brief; he died at a young age, making this painting a relatively rare example of his mature output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Hurlstone or Richard Hurleston (1740s – 1780s) was a British portrait painter known for being a pupil of Joseph Wright of Derby.
