The artwork under discussion is titled “Portrait of M. N.,” created by the artist James Tissot in the year 1876. This piece is executed in the medium of drypoint and belongs to the Realism art movement. Measuring 16.2 x 26 cm, this portrait exemplifies the genre of portraiture.
This drypoint portrait features a meticulously detailed depiction of a woman, identified only as “M. N.” The subject is portrayed in a three-quarter view, with her gaze directed away from the viewer. She is adorned in elaborate clothing characterized by rich textures and intricate details, including a fur collar and a hat with fine etchings indicative of the artist’s skill. The shading and fine lines used to render the fabric and facial features highlight the artist’s adeptness at capturing the subtleties of light and texture, which are key elements of the Realism movement. The overall composition focuses on the elegance and refinement of the subject, rendered with a sense of grace and solemnity.