#36692 Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The portrait presents a woman seated in three-quarter view against a dark, indistinct background. Her gaze is directed forward with a directness that engages the viewer immediately. The lighting emphasizes her face and upper body, leaving the lower portion of her form shrouded in shadow.
She wears a high-waisted dress of muted green fabric, its simplicity suggesting an understated elegance. The sleeves are short and fitted, revealing delicate white gloves extending to just past the elbow. A small, dark fan is held in her left hand, positioned near her waist. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, with tendrils framing her face.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the fabrics folds and the subtle gradations of light on her skin. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and vitality to the depiction. The color palette is restrained, dominated by greens, browns, and creams, contributing to an overall impression of quiet dignity.
Beyond the straightforward representation of a woman, several subtexts emerge. Her direct gaze suggests confidence and perhaps even a degree of defiance, challenging conventional expectations for female portraiture of the period which often emphasized demureness. The simplicity of her attire, while indicative of status, also hints at an unpretentious nature. The dark background serves to isolate her, drawing attention solely to her presence and personality.
The overall effect is one of psychological depth; she appears not merely as a subject for display but as an individual with agency and inner life. The painting conveys a sense of restrained emotion and quiet strength, inviting contemplation on the sitters character and social standing.