Portrait Soist Margarete Franz Ittenbach (1813-1879)

The composition presents a seated woman within a domestic interior. She occupies the central position, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes a connection. The setting appears to be a well-appointed room, suggested by the ornate furniture and the presence of a framed painting in the background.
Here we see the woman adorned in attire indicative of a certain social standing. A blue dress forms the base of her ensemble, layered with a luxurious fur stole that drapes across her shoulders. The fur’s texture is rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting its plushness and contributing to an overall impression of wealth and comfort. A decorative brooch is fastened at the neckline, adding another layer of ornamentation. Her hair is styled in a neat arrangement, pulled back from her face to emphasize her features.
The background painting, depicting a Madonna and Child motif, introduces a religious element into the scene. Its placement behind the woman suggests piety or adherence to traditional values. A vase filled with flowers sits on a nearby table, adding a touch of domesticity and beauty to the room. The arrangement of objects – the books, the flowers, the painting – creates an atmosphere of cultivated refinement.
The color palette is dominated by cool tones – blues, greens, and browns – which contribute to a sense of formality and restraint. Light falls gently on the woman’s face and hands, drawing attention to these areas while leaving parts of her body in shadow. This use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the portrait.
Subtly, the painting conveys messages about status, virtue, and domesticity. The fur stole signifies affluence; the Madonna image implies religious devotion; the carefully arranged interior speaks to a cultivated taste. The woman’s direct gaze suggests confidence and perhaps a desire for recognition or respect. Overall, the work is an exploration of identity within a specific social context, presenting a portrait that is both personal and symbolic.