Goya y Lucientes, Francisco Jose de – Mariana Waldstein, Marquise de Santa Cruz (1763-1808) Canvas, 142 x 97 cm R.F. 1976-69 Part 2 Louvre

The portrait presents a woman in full length, positioned centrally within the composition. She is clad in a voluminous black dress, its texture suggested through loose brushstrokes that create a sense of depth and movement. A dark, feathered hat adorns her head, accented by a delicate pink bow. Her posture is upright but relaxed; she holds a fan loosely in one hand, while the other rests on her hip. The woman’s gaze appears directed slightly off-center, conveying an impression of quiet contemplation rather than direct engagement with the viewer.
The background provides a contrasting element to the figures dark attire. A muted landscape unfolds behind her, rendered in soft greens and browns, hinting at distant hills and a hazy sky. This backdrop is not sharply defined; it appears almost as an atmospheric suggestion, blurring the boundaries between foreground and distance. The light source seems to originate from the left, illuminating the woman’s face and upper body while leaving portions of her dress in shadow.
The artists technique emphasizes a certain immediacy and informality. Brushwork is visible throughout, contributing to a sense of spontaneity rather than meticulous detail. This approach lends an air of intimacy to the portrait, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time.
Subtleties within the work invite further consideration. The choice of black for the woman’s clothing could be interpreted symbolically – perhaps representing mourning, solemnity, or even a deliberate rejection of ostentation. The pink bow offers a delicate counterpoint to this darkness, suggesting a touch of femininity and refinement. The landscape background, while seemingly innocuous, might allude to themes of transience and the vastness of nature in contrast to the individual’s presence. Overall, the painting conveys an impression of quiet dignity and understated elegance, hinting at a complex inner life beyond the surface representation.