The artwork, “Portrait of Madame Moitessier Standing”, was painted in 1851 by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 146.7 by 100.3 cm and is displayed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US. It adheres to the Neoclassicism art movement and is a portrait genre painting that showcases the artist’s virtuosity and the era’s taste in aesthetics.
The artwork features a life-size representation of Madame Moitessier, a society lady known for her beauty. She stands elegantly against a richly decorated backdrop that suggests her opulent lifestyle. Her black dress with off-the-shoulder detailing accentuates her figure and the luxuriance of her garment. The fabric, finely rendered, contrasts with her pale skin, and the dress is adorned with lace and a glimmering brooch that catches the viewer’s eye.
Her arms are gracefully arranged: one hand rests lightly on her hip, while the other delicately holds a fan. The application of jewelry is meticulous—gold bracelets, rings, and a long pearl necklace emphasize her wealth and status. The sitter’s hair is arranged with flowers woven through, adding a natural element to the composition as well as color, which harmoniously blends with her attire.
Madame Moitessier’s expression is serene and contemplative, which was characteristic of Ingres’ style. He captures her physical features with precision and softness, from the rounded contours of her face to the subtle modeling of her hands. The background’s floral motif and the elaborate furnishings complement the subject’s stature and grace.
In sum, this celebrated artwork by Ingres masterfully combines attention to detail, refinement in portraiture, and a neoclassical ideal of beauty, all characteristic of the artist’s work from that period.
