BARABÁS, MIKLÓS (1810–1898)

Female Portrait, 1856

oil on canvas, 65.5x52.5 cm; marking in the lower right: Barabás 856
Fine Arts Collection, Inv. No.: 80.37.

Miklós Barabás was an iconic figure of 19th century Hungarian painting. His works consist of genre paintings, watercolour landscape paintings and his primary theme, portraits.
During Barabás’ time the demand for portraits was higher than ever due to the increasing need for national self-representation and civic development. Because of this the master received several portrait commissions from public offices, bodies and private individuals alike and immortalized nearly all prominent members of the period’s political and cultural life. It also speaks volumes of his reputation that he received commissions from throughout the country. By the request of Borsod County, he made five representative male portraits between 1868 and 1893.
The female portrait seen here was added to the collection of the museum through purchase from a private individual in 1980. The painting showcases the outstanding popularity of Barabás. The gentle smile on the elderly woman’s face and her warm look represent one of the main qualities of the painter, his strive to capture the character of the model for the painting. The substantial painting methods used make the piece all the more attractive for the viewer. The collar feels almost lifelike and sheen of the black dress and the bonnet clearly show that the woman was dressed in silk clothing. The portrait manages to feel direct and ceremonious, as well as realistic yet somewhat idealized at the same time. It is a fine representation of Barabás’ painting style both in terms of intimate characterization and technical expertise. Regrettably, the identity of the model is currently unknown.
Andrea Pirint