Portrait of a Young Woman 1863

Henri Regnault's "Portrait of a Young Woman" (1863) is a realist painting of a young woman seated against a dark backdrop. The subject's youthful features and simple pose are accentuated by the contrast between her dark dress and the bright blue bow tied around her neck. Regnault, a prominent French artist of the 19th century, captures the gentle elegance of his subject with a meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the textures of her clothing and the subtle play of light on her skin. The painting is a testament to Regnault's skill and sensitivity as a portraitist.