The artwork, titled “Portrait of Madame Rimsky-Korsakov, Varvara Dmitrievna Mergassov,” was created by Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1864. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 90 by 117 centimeters, belongs to the Neo-Rococo art movement and falls under the portrait genre.
The portrait depicts Madame Rimsky-Korsakov adorned in an elegant, flowing gown with delicate lace and blue ribbon details. Her long, dark hair cascades over her shoulder in voluminous waves, and she appears poised, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. The soft, warm hues and meticulous rendering of textures exemplify Winterhalter’s mastery in capturing both the physical beauty and the serene disposition of the subject. The background is subtly dark, providing a striking contrast that accentuates the luminous quality of her attire and complexion. This artwork is a testament to Winterhalter’s skill in blending realism with the refined aesthetic characteristic of the Neo-Rococo movement.
