Countess de Pourtales, The Former Mrs Sebastian Schlesinger 1876

Sir John Everett Millais’s “Countess de Pourtales, The Former Mrs Sebastian Schlesinger” is an oil painting created in 1876, showcasing Millais's skill in portraiture during the Victorian era. The painting depicts Countess de Pourtales, dressed in a fashionable black gown with delicate lace trim, showcasing the luxurious style of the time. Her composed expression and elegant attire contribute to the overall sense of refinement and wealth associated with the upper class in 19th-century Europe. This portrait is a fine example of Millais's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both technical precision and emotional depth, a characteristic prevalent in his art.