Woman with a Glass of Wine Philippe Mercier (1689-1760)

The portrait presents a young woman in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a subtle, almost melancholic expression. She is draped in simple, loosely arranged garments – a white underdress visible at the shoulder and a green cloak or shawl that falls across her body. A matching green beret sits atop her head, partially obscuring her hair which appears to be dark brown or black.
The composition is dominated by the woman’s face and upper torso, with the background rendered in muted, indistinct tones of olive and brown, creating a sense of depth without drawing attention away from the subject. The lighting is soft and diffused, highlighting the smoothness of her skin and emphasizing the delicate features of her face – the slightly parted lips, the gentle curve of her eyebrows, and the subtle sheen in her eyes.
In her hands, she holds a stemmed glass containing a dark red liquid, presumably wine. Beside the glass rests a small, woven basket-like container holding a bottle, further reinforcing the theme of indulgence or conviviality. The way she presents these objects suggests not an offering but rather a casual possession, as if they are commonplace elements of her existence.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a woman with wine, several subtexts emerge. Her direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, inviting contemplation and perhaps even empathy. The simplicity of her attire and the lack of ostentatious jewelry suggest a certain modesty or an intentional rejection of societal expectations regarding female adornment.
The melancholic cast of her expression introduces ambiguity; it is difficult to ascertain whether she is experiencing sadness, pensiveness, or simply quiet reflection. This emotional complexity prevents a straightforward reading of the portrait and encourages speculation about her inner life. The presence of wine, while potentially symbolic of pleasure and relaxation, could also be interpreted as an attempt to alleviate some underlying sorrow or anxiety.
The overall effect is one of understated elegance and psychological depth. The artist has created not merely a likeness but a character – a woman whose story remains tantalizingly out of reach, prompting the viewer to construct their own narrative around her presence.