Portrait of Susanna van Os-de la Croix 1776

Pieter Frederik de la Croix rendered this "Portrait of Susanna van Os-de la Croix" using pastel on paper. The medium of pastel lends itself to a soft, almost ethereal quality, perfectly capturing the delicate features of the sitter. Notice how de la Croix masterfully uses the dry pigment to create subtle gradations of light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of Susanna's face and the intricate lace detailing of her attire. The powdered pigments allowed for ease of blending and layering, enabling the artist to achieve a luminous effect and capture the textures of fabric, jewelry, and skin with remarkable fidelity. Pastel was a popular choice for portraiture in the 18th century, favored for its ability to produce quick and flattering likenesses. It allowed artists to capture the fashionable attire and refined taste of their affluent clients, like Susanna. But let's not overlook the labor that went into every stitch and ruffle. The artist wasn't just portraying a person; he captured an entire economy of skilled craftsmanship. By appreciating the materials and processes behind this pastel portrait, we recognize the skill that goes into all art forms.