Francisco de Goya – Maria Teresa de Borbon y Vallabriga, later Condesa de Chinchon National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a young girl standing outdoors, positioned slightly off-center within the frame. She is dressed in elaborate attire: a light blue bodice adorned with lace and a dark blue skirt that pools around her feet. A delicate veil covers her hair, embellished with ribbons and what appears to be a jeweled headband. Her posture is formal; she rests one hand on her hip, adopting a pose characteristic of portraiture from the period.
The background establishes a landscape setting. Distant mountains rise behind a verdant expanse of trees and foliage. The artist rendered these elements with a degree of atmospheric perspective, softening their details to suggest depth. A low stone wall or balustrade runs along the foreground, separating the subject from the viewer and contributing to the sense of distance.
A small dog, likely a Papillon or similar breed, sits attentively at her feet. Its presence adds an element of domesticity and perhaps suggests companionship. The dog’s light coloring contrasts with the darker tones of the girls dress, drawing attention to it.
The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the subject evenly without harsh shadows. This contributes to a sense of serenity and emphasizes the textures of her clothing and hair.
Subtleties within the painting suggest more than a straightforward depiction. The formality of the pose and attire indicates a person of high social standing. The landscape background, while picturesque, seems somewhat generic; it lacks specific identifying features, which could imply that the setting is less important than the subjects representation. The inclusion of the dog might be interpreted as a symbol of loyalty or affection, reinforcing her perceived virtues.
The inscription at the bottom left corner, though partially obscured, provides textual information about the individual depicted and possibly details regarding the date of creation. This reinforces the painting’s function as an official record or commemoration. Overall, the work conveys a sense of dignity and refinement, intended to celebrate the subjects status and character.