Portrait of a Noblewoman  1750

Turning her gaze towards the spectator with one hand resting on her hip, this noblewoman has a stately, matronly appearance that is intended to express personal discipline and dignity. Her lavish costume-with a scarf tied to her hair, a brocade dress set with pearls and a feather, and jeweled pendants-communicates her social status, as does the column, suggestive of a pala...