Christina Augusta von Fersen (1754-1846), g. Löwenhielm * Pehr Hilleström (1732-1816)

The portrait presents a woman in motion, captured mid-gesture within what appears to be a domestic interior. She is positioned centrally, her body angled diagonally across the frame, suggesting dynamism and spontaneity. The composition is framed by a dark, arched architectural element that creates a sense of depth while simultaneously isolating the figure.
Here we see a subject dressed in an elaborate gown of orange and cream hues. The dress’s skirt flares outward, revealing glimpses of what appears to be a petticoat beneath, emphasizing its volume and suggesting movement. Delicate embroidery adorns the bodice and skirt, indicating wealth and status. A matching sash is knotted at her waist, adding another layer of ornamentation. Her hair is styled in an elaborate coiffure typical of the period, with curls cascading around her face and secured with decorative elements.
The woman’s pose is particularly striking. One arm is extended outward as if gesturing or balancing, while the other holds a small object – possibly a fan or a piece of fabric – which trails behind her in a swirl of color. Her expression is one of controlled grace; she appears to be engaged in some form of performance, perhaps a dance or a theatrical presentation.
The background is indistinct, rendered with muted greens and browns that recede into shadow. This lack of detail directs the viewer’s attention entirely onto the figure and her actions. The limited palette contributes to an overall sense of formality and restraint, characteristic of portraiture from this era.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of theatricality beyond the immediate pose. The staged quality of the scene – the deliberate gesture, the carefully arranged clothing – hints at a constructed persona, perhaps reflecting societal expectations or aspirations for refinement and elegance. The dark frame reinforces this sense of presentation, as if the woman is being displayed within a formal setting. The overall effect is one of poised grace combined with an underlying current of performance and social display.