Artwork
Viorica Stahi la 16 de ani
Viorica Stahi la 16 de ani is a print by the Impressionist artist Constantin D. Stahi. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Moldova National Museum Complex. Constantin D.
About this work
Overview
Constantin D. Stahi’s 1895 portrait titled Viorica Stahi la 16 de ani depicts a teenage girl at the threshold of adulthood. Rendered in oil on canvas, the work measures a modest size and presents the sitter against an unadorned dark backdrop, drawing immediate attention to her face and attire.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is a sixteen‑year‑old girl with dark hair, her expression calm and introspective. She wears a light‑toned dress with puffed sleeves and a contrasting dark collar, suggesting modesty and everyday attire rather than formal dress, which may reflect the artist’s intention to capture a private, ordinary moment.
Technique & Style
Stahi employs a soft, slightly diffused brushwork that softens edges and creates a gentle atmospheric effect reminiscent of late‑19th‑century Impressionist tendencies. While the overall composition remains realistic, the handling of light on the fabric and the muted background convey a sense of immediacy and fleeting presence.
History & Provenance
Created in 1895, the portrait was likely commissioned by the sitter’s family, as indicated by the personal title. The painting has remained within Romanian collections, passing through private hands before entering a public museum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the artist’s early portraiture series.
Artist & collection
