Miss Elizabeth Farren, Countess of Derby 1792

Francesco Bartolozzi's print captures Miss Elizabeth Farren with a composition that merges the portrait with a serene landscape, using delicate lines and soft colors to evoke elegance and poise. The contrast between the textures of her fur-lined cloak and the smooth, flowing gown creates a compelling visual dynamic. The print uses a semiotic system where clothing and setting communicate status and taste. Note how the subject’s attire, combined with the pastoral backdrop, challenges the established meanings of aristocratic portraiture. The gaze directed away from the viewer suggests an interiority, a departure from the traditional display of social rank. Bartolozzi's formal choices—the subtle gradations of color and the attention to detail—reflect a larger cultural discourse on femininity and representation. The print prompts us to question the fixed meanings of portraiture.