Portrait of a Woman

Jean Marc Nattier

1753 · Oil on canvas · European Paintings

Conformity rather than individuality was a hallmark of Nattier’s enormous success portraying French aristocratic women: his innumerable portraits represent contrasting ivory skin and bright blush, powdered hair and soft features set against warm landscapes. This late work, signed and dated on the tree trunk, includes a lively array of flowers; a bright blue ribbon accentuates the woman’s bare neck and shoulders. Nattier made several adjustments to the position of the ribbon and hair, now visible as faint hallows or pentimenti showing through the paint surface.

Artist

Jean Marc Nattier

Date

1753

Medium

Oil on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982