The artwork “Portrait Einer Jungen Dame Mit Lyra” by Adele Romany is a neoclassical oil on canvas painting. The neoclassical movement, to which this artwork belongs, was characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and an emphasis on simplicity, order, and idealized beauty.
In the artwork, a young woman is depicted in a seated position holding a classical stringed instrument, the lyre, indicative of the era’s fascination with ancient Greek and Roman culture. The subject’s gaze appears introspective, looking slightly away from the viewer, which might suggest a moment of contemplation or inner focus. Her attire is typical of the early 19th-century fashion, featuring a high-waisted dress that is exquisitely detailed with ruffles, a cinched waist ribbon, and a flowing, richly colored shawl that adds vibrancy to the otherwise muted palette.
Her hair is arranged in an elegant updo with loops resembling classical motifs, further enhancing the neoclassical aesthetic. The precise rendering of the dress’s texture and the soft gradation of the skin tones exemplify the technical skill of the artist and contribute to the lifelike quality of the portrait. The composition, framed against a dark, nondescript background, places the entire emphasis on the figure and the lyre, uniting the elements of neoclassical style and musical allegory in this serene and refined portrait.
