Portrait of a lady 18th century

Jean-Baptiste Nini created this delicate terracotta roundel, "Portrait of a Lady," capturing the profile of an elegant woman during the 18th century. Nini, an Italian sculptor working in France, was known for his expertise in terracotta portraiture, a medium that allowed for detailed and lifelike representations. Consider the historical and social context of this artwork. The elaborate hairstyle, adorned with feathers and curls, reflects the fashion of the French aristocracy. These portraits were not merely likenesses; they were symbols of status and identity. They speak to the intricate ways in which women negotiated their roles in a society that valued beauty and decorum. Nini's work offers a glimpse into the lives of women who wielded influence through their social standing, yet remained confined by societal expectations. This portrait invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity, where personal expression intersects with the constraints of one's time.