The artwork titled “Betty de Rothschild, Baronne de Rothschild” is an oil on canvas painting by the distinguished artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, dated to the year 1848. This work is a manifestation of the Neoclassical art movement and is characterized by its impressive dimensions of 141.9 x 101 cm. The genre of the piece is portrait, and it currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork vividly portrays Betty de Rothschild, the Baroness de Rothschild, seated in an elegant posture that conveys both grace and composure. The Baroness’s attire is sumptuous, adorned with intricate patterns and rich colors, chiefly shades of pink and blue, which accentuate her social status and sophistication. Her expression exudes a serene confidence, with a slight tilt of the head and a contemplative gaze that seems to engage directly with the viewer.
The attention to detail in the artwork is meticulous, from the luxurious textures of her dress and the delicate lace of her headdress to the fine jewelry that embellishes her neckline, wrists, and fingers. The portrayal captures the essence of the sitter’s personality and her position within the opulent echelons of society. The background provides a subtle contrast, its subdued tones allowing the Baroness’s figure to hold the viewer’s focus without distraction.
In evident Neoclassical tradition, Ingres demonstrates a masterful control of the brush, imbuing the piece with a clear, smooth line and a polished surface that emphasize the idealized beauty of the subject. This portrait is an exemplar of Ingres’s talent for capturing both the physical likeness and the inner nobility of his sitters, and it stands as a notable piece within his oeuvre, reflecting the aesthetic values of his time.
