Created by Umberto Boccioni in 1905, the artwork known as “The Signora Virginia” embodies the stylistic characteristics of Post-Impressionism. Boccioni, an eminent figure in this movement, composed this work in Rome, Italy. The medium employed for this piece is oil paint applied to canvas, and it stands as a portrait within the specified genre for this artwork.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman seated comfortably in a wooden chair, exuding an aura of calm and collected composure. Her attire is simple yet dignified, consisting of a dark dress with vertical striped patterning that seems to resonate with the practical, down-to-earth nature of her character. In her lap, she cradles a ginger cat, a symbol of domestic warmth, which contributes to the serene and homely ambiance the piece communicates. The presence of the cat also emphasizes the woman’s gentle demeanor, with one of her hands softly resting on the animal, creating a sense of connection and tranquility.
The setting is an intimate domestic environment, where natural light filters in through a window, casting angular shadows across the floor. The interplay of light and shadow within the room enriches the tactile quality of the surfaces painted by Boccioni. The background is understated, yet it features furniture and draperies that help in establishing a sense of depth and context for the subject’s portrayal. Notable is Boccioni’s treatment of color and texture in this piece, as gentle brushstrokes convey the comforting atmosphere of the interior space.
Aligning with Post-Impressionist tenets, the artwork forgoes strict realism in favor of expressing an emotional resonance, allowing viewers to glean a glimpse of the sitter’s personality and the painter’s perception of her world. The painting reflects a transitional moment in Boccioni’s career, as he captures traditional subject matter with the seeds of modernist sensibilities that would come to fully blossom in his later, futurist works.
