The artwork titled “Portrait of a Woman” was painted by the renowned artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the year 1897. This oil on canvas piece typifies the Impressionist movement, a genre known for its emphasis on light and color to capture the momentary effects of the subject. The artwork measures 41.3 by 33.7 centimeters and presently resides within a private collection. As a portrait, it provides an intimate view of the subject, immortalizing their visage for posterity.
In the artwork, we observe a woman portrayed in profile against a muted background. Renoir’s brushwork is characteristically loose and vibrant, with a soft diffusion of light across the subject’s features. The background provides little distraction, allowing viewers to concentrate on the woman’s expression and attire. Her hair is styled in an updo, which was fashionable during the time period, and she is dressed in a garment with a high, frilly collar and a dark jacket adorned with buttons. The artist’s skillful use of light and color imparts a sense of depth and realism to the subject’s complexion and the texture of her attire. Renoir’s signature can be discerned in the upper right-hand corner, adding a finishing touch to this poignant representation of a woman from the late 19th century.
