s An Unknown Lady - Hull Museums Collections

An Unknown Lady

Ever since its acquisition by the Ferens in 1968 this painting has been regarded as one of the most beautiful and enigmatic in the collection. It is now re-attributed, on stylistic grounds, to the French painter, Ingres, one of the most important artists working in this highly finished style. The painting has been cut along the bottom and reduced from its original size and it is possible that this has contributed to years of debate surrounding its attribution. Comparison with other female portraits certainly by Ingres shows that the treatment of the features, particularly in such areas as the lips and the glossy hair, appear very close to the Ferens’ portrait. The painting is intriguing in portraying a languorous yet sensuous young woman who may be suffering from goitre as her neck appears swollen and her blouse has been unfastened at the collar. The date can be established from the skilfully depicted costume with its frilled, layered collar and the long sleeves with their successive gatherings.