Mar 11
Isabella (also known as Young Woman with a Fan) (c. 1906) by Simon Willem Maris (Dutch, 1873 – 1935), oil on canvas, 41 cm (16.1 in) x 29 cm (11.4 in), Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
#isabella#Young Woman with a Fan#simon maris#Simon Willem Maris#painting#my upload#oil on canvas#art#fine art#20th century#an intimate Impressionist-style oil portrait of a young Black girl identified via archival research as Isabella#identified via archival research as Isabella who posed in his Amsterdam studio#Formerly titled ambiguously it is a significant respectful depiction that emphasizes her personality rather than exoticism#Rediscovered Identity:#For decades the painting was known by generic or outdated problematic titles like Young Woman with a Fan Indian type#or Little Negress#Research in the Maris family archives including photographs from his studio at 498 Keizersgracht identified the sitter as Isabella#Context of the Subject:#She was around twelve years old at the time of the portrait#While her first name was rediscovered her family name remains unknown and it is possible Isabella#was a pseudonym or a name given by the artist#Style and Mood:#The artwork features loose impressionistic brushstrokes a subdued color palette (soft blues and grays)#and a focus on light reflecting on her skin and the intricate sumptuous clothing. It captures a quiet thoughtful and melancholic mood#Artistic Focus:#The painting is considered a masterpiece of the Dutch artist showing his skill in capturing human emotion and detail
