Portrait of Marie Felicitas zu Fürstenberg Franz Ittenbach (1813-1879)

The portrait presents a young woman in a formal pose, centered against a patterned backdrop. She is depicted from the chest upwards, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a composed and somewhat melancholic expression. Her hair, styled in elaborate ringlets, frames her face and is partially concealed by a dark headband.
The artist has rendered her attire with meticulous detail. A flowing white gown drapes across her shoulders, revealing the upper curve of her arms. The fabric’s texture appears soft and luxurious, catching the light to create subtle highlights and shadows that suggest volume and movement. A rich red shawl is casually thrown over one shoulder, providing a striking contrast against the pale tones of the dress. A delicate gold chain adorns her wrist, hinting at wealth and status.
The background consists of a dark green wall with an intricate floral pattern, which recedes into shadow, drawing attention to the figure in the foreground. The limited color palette – primarily whites, reds, and greens – contributes to a sense of formality and restraint.
Subtleties within the composition suggest a complex narrative. Her posture is upright but not stiff; theres a slight downward tilt to her head that conveys introspection or perhaps a quiet sadness. The placement of her hands, one resting gently on the other, further reinforces this impression of thoughtful contemplation. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and understated nobility, suggesting a woman of considerable social standing who possesses both beauty and an inner depth.