Portrait of Barbara Dall'Armi

Maker Angelica Kauffman (Swiss, 1741 - 1807)

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1795

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 24 × 21 in. (61 × 53.3 cm.) frame: 33 × 29 in. (83.8 × 73.7 cm.)

DescriptionThis is an half-length portrait of Maria Barbara Edle von Dall’Armi (1774-1819), second wife of the Munich merchant, banker and cavalry major in the Bavarian National Guard, Andreas Michael Dall'Armi (1765–1842), who commissioned the painting.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Mary Ann and John Sturgeon Collection

Status

Not on view

Label TextGerman merchant Andreas Michael Dall'Armi commissioned Kauffman to paint this portrait of his wife Barbara. The artist depicts her in a high-waisted chemise dress accented by a blue shawl and hair ribbon that holds a tumble of curls. The height of neoclassical style, first made fashionable in France, the narrow white gown and loose unpowdered hair were based on the costumes see in ancient Greek and Roman art. Most noteworthy is Barbara's gente and sensitive facial expression, suggesting the love shared by patron and sitter, friends and family.

Object number2017.14