German School, “Profile of a Maiden with Red Ribbon”, second half of the 19th century.

German School, “Profile of a Maiden with Red Ribbon” Second half of the 19th century. Oil on canvas. 63x50 cm. Contemporary gilded wooden frame. Dimensions with frame: 94x81cm. The portrait, in an atmosphere of calm and privacy, depicts a woman in the moment she elegantly turns her head to the right. Her attention is in fact captured by something—or someone—that is outside the visual field of the observer. The uniform and diffused light enhances the whiteness of the skin and the softness of the white fabric, highlighted by the neutral background. The draped dress leaves the shoulders and neck exposed, recalling an ideal of neoclassical simplicity. The woman wears sober but effective ornaments. Her dark hair, styled volumptuously, is gathered by a fiery red ribbon. The earring, a pearl pendant, shines on the complexion, attracting attention; pearls were a luxury item, imported from the Pacific Ocean. The portrait is enclosed in an oval shape inside a rectangular canvas. This format was extremely popular for intimate portraiture. The gilded wooden frame, richly carved with scroll motifs inside and with an acanthus leaf motif outside, is typical of the lavish taste of the late 19th century. The second half of the 19th century was a period of great commissions of private portraits by the German bourgeoisie. The painting reflects the typical taste of the period for an idealized but non-ostentatious representation of the subjects. The bourgeoisie loved to be portrayed in intimate and reflective poses, in works of unmarked but peaceful and clean realism, in full Biedermeier style. This style continued and channeled romantic tendencies, attentive to the personality of the subjects and to emphasizing their spirituality.