Lady in White Dress with Red Cashmere Shawl

Ferdinand Quaglia was one of a group of Italian miniaturists who left their home country because of lack of commissions: Balbi and Bencini worked at the court in Vienna, Restallino in Bavaria, and Bossi in Germany and Sweden. Quaglia moved to Paris (as Campana had done a few decades before) where he could rely on commissions despite many skilled competitors. When creating this charming portrait of a lady in a white empire dress with a red shawl and pearl comb, Quaglia had lived in Paris for only about five years and had already become a much sought-after miniaturist whose works were especially appreciated by Empress Josephine. Quaglia’s portraits are characterized by a warm intensity and softness. The ladies seem to breathe in their soft dresses, their skin appears delicate and translucent and their eyes are full of sensitivity.

B. P.