Catalogues

Lady in Red Dress with White Veil

This lady in a red dress with veil surrounded by spherical clouds resembles a mythological goddess. Her gracefulness is increased by the tull decoration which also livens up her calm posture. Like many other miniaturists (see Cat.-No. 72) Parant was strongly influenced by Jean Baptiste Isabey's famous portraits in which beautiful veil decorations gave charm even to those ladies whose features did not correspond to the common ideal of beauty. This portrait shows the sitter in authentic colours and a natural posture. Since most of Parant's miniature portraits are professionally painted cameo imitations, the present holds a special position within the artist's work.