Who painted Miss Marthe Carr?

Miss Marthe Carr was painted by Thomas Lawrence in 1795.

Where can I see Miss Marthe Carr?

Miss Marthe Carr is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Miss Marthe Carr?

Miss Marthe Carr is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Miss Marthe Carr?

Museum-quality prints of Miss Marthe Carr are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Miss Marthe Carr

Thomas Lawrence , 1795

Miss Marthe Carr is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Lawrence. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Lawrence’s portrait of Miss Marthe Carr, executed in oil on canvas in 1795, is part of the Prado Museum’s collection. The work reflects the late‑Rococo sensibility that Lawrence employed before his later shift toward a more neoclassical style.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented as a young woman with loose, curly blonde hair, a white dress trimmed with a brown belt, and a white shawl draped over her shoulders. A black choker frames her neck, and a single earring adorns her left ear. She sits upright in a chair, her gaze meeting the viewer directly, suggesting confidence and poise.

Technique & Style

Lawrence renders the figure with a smooth, luminous finish typical of his portraiture, using delicate brushwork to model the flesh and hair. The contrast between the dark backdrop and the vivid red curtain behind her heightens the figure’s presence, while the subtle play of light on the dress and accessories demonstrates his skill in handling texture and fabric.

History & Provenance

Created during Lawrence’s early career, when he was establishing his reputation in England, the painting later entered the Spanish national collection and is now displayed at the Museo del Prado. Its acquisition reflects the 19th‑century interest in British portraiture among continental collectors.