Who painted My Mother?

My Mother was painted by Soma Orlai Petrich in 1850.

Where can I see My Mother?

My Mother is held by Hungarian National Gallery.

What movement is My Mother?

My Mother is associated with Realism.

Artwork

My Mother

Soma Orlai Petrich , 1850

My Mother is an oil painting by the Realist artist Soma Orlai Petrich. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

My Mother is an oil-on-canvas portrait painted by Soma Orlai Petrich around 1850. The work depicts the artist's mother in a straightforward, realistic manner.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, likely the artist's mother, is portrayed in humble attire—a brown jacket, white scarf, and dark headscarf—conveying a modest lifestyle. Her neutral expression and direct gaze engage the viewer.

Technique & Style

Executed in the realist style, the painting utilizes strong light and dark contrasts (chiaroscuro) against a dark background to accentuate the subject's features, emphasizing realism over idealization.

History & Provenance

Petrich, born in 1822 in Mezőberény to a Serbian father and Hungarian mother, trained in Croatia, Hungary, and later in law, intersecting with poet Sándor Petőfi. The painting is now part of the Hungarian National Gallery's collection.

Context

Created during Petrich's period of focus on historical scenes and portraits, *My Mother* reflects his adherence to realism, a style that was gaining prominence in 19th-century European art.

Legacy

While Petrich is not predominantly known for this work, *My Mother* contributes to the broader legacy of 19th-century realist portraiture, offering a personal, unvarnished glimpse into the life of the artist's family.

Artist & collection

Artist

Soma Orlai Petrich

Soma Orlai Petrich, aka Soma Orlay-Petrich (October 22, 1822, Mezőberény - June 5, 1880, Budapest) was a Hungarian painter famous for his historical paintings and portraits.