Portrait of a Woman 1790 - 1800

Jean-Baptiste Isabey painted this miniature "Portrait of a Woman" at an unknown date. The composition features a woman set against a dark backdrop, framed within a golden circle that measures less than three inches in diameter. The meticulous detail and smooth application of color create a delicate surface, almost jewel-like. Isabey's emphasis on line and form suggests a deeper interest in structure. Note how the circular format encloses the figure, creating a self-contained world that invites closer inspection. The woman's gaze and the objects she holds – a book, perhaps – are framed within the confines of the circle. The portrait is less about individual likeness than about the interplay of forms. The structural emphasis within the composition transforms the portrait into an exercise in spatial organization and aesthetic balance. This approach is a clear departure from traditional portraiture, moving towards a more formal exploration of visual elements.