Who painted A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress?

A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress was painted by Wilhelm Marstrand in 1847.

Where can I see A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress?

A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress?

A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress?

Museum-quality prints of A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress

Wilhelm Marstrand , 1847

A Roman Woman in Fancy Dress is an oil painting by the Realist artist Wilhelm Marstrand. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1847 by Danish artist Wilhelm Marstrand, this oil painting presents a solitary female figure rendered in a realistic manner. The work is part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery of Art, Statens Museum for Kunst, and exemplifies the artist’s interest in costume studies and genre scenes typical of the mid‑nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a woman dressed in an elaborate, historically inspired costume that evokes Roman attire.

The central figure is a woman dressed in an elaborate, historically inspired costume that evokes Roman attire. She wears a white shawl over a red gown, complemented by a gold necklace, earrings, and an up‑do hairstyle. Holding a small bouquet and meeting the viewer’s gaze, she conveys a poised, perhaps ceremonial presence, while the surrounding objects—a book and a flower on a blue table—suggest refinement and intellectual leisure.

Technique & Style

Marstrand employs a clear realist approach, emphasizing accurate detail and naturalistic color. The composition is illuminated through pronounced chiaroscuro, with bright highlights on the shawl and jewelry contrasting against a darker background, creating a sense of volume. The brushwork remains smooth, allowing the textures of fabric, metal, and skin to be distinguished without overt painterly gestures.

History & Provenance

The painting was executed during Marstrand’s mature period, when he was an established figure in Denmark’s Golden Age of painting. After its completion, it entered the holdings of Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s representation of 19th‑century Danish realism.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Wilhelm Marstrand

Nicolai Wilhelm Marstrand (24 December 1810 – 25 March 1873), painter and illustrator, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Nicolai Jacob Marstrand, instrument maker and inventor, and Petra Othilia Smith.