The artwork “Portrait of Maria Teresa of Ballabriga, Countess of Chinchon” is a masterful oil painting on canvas by the esteemed artist Francisco Goya, dating back to the year 1800. Exemplifying the Romanticism movement, the portrait is a significant work with dimensions of 216 x 144 cm. As a genre piece, it encapsulates the traditional portraiture style of the era and is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, Maria Teresa of Ballabriga, the Countess of Chinchon, is depicted seated against a dark and plain background that accentuates her figure. The countess is portrayed in three-quarters length, seated elegantly on a gilded armchair with her body slightly turned toward the viewer, offering a dignified yet approachable presence. Her expression is serene and introspective, with a hint of melancholy that often characterizes Goya’s portraits.
She is dressed in a white, empire-line gown that softly drapes over her form, revealing the fashion of the time. The subtle tonal variations in the dress suggest the soft texture of the fabric and the play of light across its surface. Notably, her attire is adorned with understated yet exquisite details; a blue sash, lace trimmings, and a delicate feathered hairpiece add accents of color and texture to the ensemble. The Countess’s hands are gently folded in her lap, one adorned with a prominent ring, emphasizing her aristocratic status.
The mastery of Goya is evident in the masterful rendering of textures and the nuanced interplay of light and shadow. This portrait not only captures the likeness of the Countess but also conveys a sense of her personal aura and the refined grace of the aristocracy during that period.
