Sofia Grancini (1869) - Ritratto femminile

This fascinating half-length portrait, executed in 1869, is a notable example of 19th-century academic genre portraiture. The work depicts a young woman portrayed in three-quarters, with her gaze turned to the right and a lively, engaging expression. The artist pays great attention to the rendering of details, in particular the rich, voluminous blond headdress adorned with striking red roses, and the unusual clothing, which suggests a costume portrait or a fantasy figure rather than a simple rustic girl. The dark, neutral background contrasts with the brightness of the skin tone and the vivid colors of the flowers and dress.

Of exceptional historical and documentary importance is the original handwritten label, contemporary to the execution, present on the back of the frame. This tag certifies the authenticity and chronology of the work and reads: this oil on panel executed in Milan by Sofia Grancini. Work exhibited in Milan 1869.

The work is in good overall condition, with a natural and pleasant patina of time consistent with the year of execution (1869). Only slight and negligible signs of surface wear are noted, as visible in the detail images.

The painting is housed in an imposing and richly gilded period wooden frame. The frame features an elaborate relief decoration with floral and foliate motifs running around the entire outer perimeter, while the inner part adjacent to the canvas is adorned with a beaded pattern. The gilding shows an antique and authentic patina. The frame is in excellent condition, contributing to accentuating the beauty and importance of the portrait.

The artist Sofia Grancini (Milan, 1869 – ?) was an interesting painter active between the 19th and 20th centuries, trained at the prestigious Brera Academy (where she earned an honorable mention in 1885-1886).

Dimensions with frame: width 37.5, height 44.
Dimensions of the painting: width 21, height 27.