Alexandrine-Sophie de Bawr

Before you stands "Alexandrine-Sophie de Bawr," a captivating portrait painted in 1810 by Louis-Léopold Boilly. This exquisite piece resides in the esteemed collection of the Harvard Art Museums. The painting is an oval portrait, delicately rendered in a predominantly sepia palette, creating a subtle interplay of light and shadow that beautifully models the sitter's features. While the exact dimensions aren't specified, the intimacy of the portrait is immediately apparent. nn The subject, Alexandrine-Sophie de Bawr, is presented with a serene and composed expression. Her dark, curly hair is styled in the elegant fashion of the early 19th century, framing a face rendered with remarkable realism. She wears a dark, possibly black, low-cut gown with a slightly ruffled neckline, the fabric's smooth texture subtly suggested by the artist's skillful use of shading. The soft, diffused lighting enhances the gentle modeling of her face and form, creating a sense of both formality and intimacy. The muted, light gray-brown background serves as a neutral backdrop, drawing the viewer's attention solely to the subject. nn Boilly's masterful technique captures a likeness of Alexandrine-Sophie de Bawr at a specific moment in time, characteristic of the realistic portraiture of its era. The painting conveys a sense of quiet dignity and elegance, a timeless portrayal of a woman of her time. The artist's signature is subtly included, along with the date, completing this beautiful and historically significant work.