Description
Stefanina Primicile Carafa turns her gaze toward the right in Edgar Degas’s portrait, her dark hair and high black collar framing the pale face. A red chair and muted olive-brown surroundings give the likeness a restrained setting. The sitter’s firm expression holds attention, allowing her presence to emerge through contrasts and loosely flowing passages rather than elaborate signs of social rank.
Painted around 1875 in oil on fabric, the work portrays Degas’s aunt, the Marchioness of Cicerale and Duchess of Montejasi. Her mourning dress brings a sober character to the likeness, while the flowing handling keeps it from becoming rigid. The portrait’s interest lies in the meeting of family familiarity and a dignified public identity. Degas offers an encounter with a particular person, making her presence more compelling than the titles attached to her name.
Read our guide to giclée prints, browse more Edgar Degas prints, or explore A Woman Seated beside a Vase of Flowers (Madame Paul Valpinçon?).
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