Portrait of a Lady
Work on paper; painting/drawing on board • Roberto Fontana (Italian, 1844-1907)
Style & Movement
Verismo / Italian Realism with Impressionist influence; characterized by the loose brushwork and atmospheric background common in Late 19th-century Milanese schools
Medium & Technique
Pastel and bodycolour on board; likely employing gouache for the highlights and impasto-like texture, with layered pastel for softened skintones and background
Creation Period
Late 19th Century (c. 1880-1895)
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 25 x 15 cm (sight size); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of a young woman looking slightly to the left. She is depicted with dark hair, wearing a reddish or coral garment accented by a prominent turquoise blue bow at the neck. The background is rendered with energetic, mottled strokes of olive and ochre, emphasizing the figure's presence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant and the surface appears stable under glass.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Likely originated from a private Italian collection; currently in a formal gilded frame suited for European market galleries. No specific auction stamps visible in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Roberto Fontana was a significant figure in the Milanese art scene, winning the Mylius Prize in 1876. This work is representative of his skill in intimate portraiture and his ability to bridge academic technique with the emerging Impressionist trends in Italy.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature in the lower left; energetic use of bodycolour in the blue bow contrasts sharply with the delicate rendering of the face; original-style ornate gilded frame enhances its decorative appeal.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust; potential slight yellowing of the board substrate at the edges; possible light fading of sensitive pastel pigments if historically exposed to UV.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with low UV light exposure. Ensure the artwork is mounted with acid-free materials and that the glass does not touch the surface of the pastel.
Collector Notes
ROBERTO FONTANA (ITALIAN, 1844-1907)PORTRAIT OF A LADY,SIGNED LOWER LEFT,PASTEL AND BODYCOLOUR ON board