The artwork titled “The Countess of Keller,” painted by Alexandre Cabanel in 1873, is an oil on canvas masterpiece. As an exemplary piece of Academicism, this portrait measures 76 by 99.2 centimeters and is housed in the renowned Hermitage Museum located in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork depicts a poised countess seated elegantly against a dark, rich background. Her serene expression and refined demeanor are highlighted by her white gown adorned with green accents and a luxurious dark fur draped over her chest. The details of her attire, including the feather ornament in her coiffed hair and the delicate jewelry she wears, such as pearl earrings and a ring, are rendered with exquisite precision. Cabanel’s mastery in using light and shadow brings out the textural richness of fabrics and the countess’s porcelain-like skin, emphasizing the opulence and grace befitting her status. This portrait encapsulates the elegance and sophistication characteristic of Cabanel’s work within the Academicism movement.
