Artwork Page for Jane Jarvis

Details / Information for Jane Jarvis

Jane Jarvis

1830–31

Paul Delaroche

(French, 1797–1856)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
pastel, heightened with white gouache on tan woven paper, mounted to board
Support
Cream wove paper (discolored to light brown), perimeter mounted to cardboard
Measurements
Sheet: 46.2 x 34.3 cm (18 3/16 x 13 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2008.348
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This portrait of an English woman named Jane Jarvis probably shows her not too long after the death of her father. Her jet black jewels are French, but her low-neck dress, which represents the last stage of the mourning period, could be French or English. With his pastels, Delaroche created a dashingly decorative image that highlights and complements the elaborate dress depicted. The large Renaissance-style hat seems to float against the creamy blues and beiges of the background. Below, the chalky pastel describes the particular appearance of the arms seen through the gauzy material of the sleeves, and energetic stray lines around the body add an ornamental flourish of technical virtuosity.
A pastel and gouache portrait depicts a woman with light skin tone from the waist up, facing our right. She wears an enormous black hat with voluminous feathers and a dark blue dress with wide, sheer sleeves. A brown fur stole rests on her shoulders, while long dark beads hang over her chest. Her hands clasp black gloves at her waist. Her light brown hair is in ringlets. The background features blue and tan washes.

Jane Jarvis

1830–31

Paul Delaroche

(French, 1797–1856)
France, 19th century

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