Portrait of Anna Davia-Bernuzzi Dmitry Levitsky (Levitzky) (1735-1822)

The portrait presents a woman in what appears to be mid-18th century attire. She is positioned at a slight angle to the viewer, her gaze directed towards the observer with a subtle, almost enigmatic expression. The lighting emphasizes her face and upper torso, leaving the background largely obscured in shadow.
Here we see an elaborate headdress dominating the composition. It’s constructed from what seems to be straw, adorned with ribbons of a muted lilac hue and clusters of pink roses. This detail speaks to a deliberate display of wealth and fashionable taste. The womans hair itself is styled in the prevalent à la pouf fashion, adding volume and height.
Her dress follows the Rococo aesthetic; it’s characterized by lightness and ornamentation. A pale, almost translucent fabric drapes over a structured bodice, accented with large bows at the sleeves and across the chest. The color palette is restrained – soft pinks, creams, and muted purples – contributing to an overall impression of refinement and elegance.
The artist has rendered the skin tones with a delicate touch, suggesting a focus on portraying beauty and gentility. A faint blush highlights her cheeks, while subtle shadows define the contours of her face. The hands are carefully positioned, one resting gently on her chest, the other holding a small bouquet of roses that mirrors those in her headdress – a visual echo reinforcing themes of natural beauty and cultivated grace.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention solely to her presence and status. A signature is visible in the lower right corner, indicating authorship and establishing the work within a specific artistic context. The overall effect is one of studied composure and understated luxury, suggesting a woman of considerable social standing who wishes to project an image of cultivated taste and quiet confidence.