Portrait of Ewa Potocka (at an older age)

Ewa Potocka comes from the Kaniеwski family. She was a wife of Joachim Potocki, lieutenant-general of Kamianets-Podilskyi, and a founder of the Chortkiv Castle Gallery. The portrait can be classified as an "of age" representation. The half-length portrait of a woman was made in the traditions of secular portraiture of the 18th century. The stylistic changes in Ukrainian portraiture coincided with the changes that were taking place in European painting. The image is not static. One can feel the emotional colouring, expression, and representation of the inner world of the subject. Ewa Potocka is portrayed at an older age, the artist does not try to hide it. The author has reproduced in detail on the canvas a face no longer young, with a massive nose and double chin. Along with the luxurious wig, a kind usually worn by young women, on her head is a bonnet decorated with blue ruches. Ewa's gaze is directed towards the viewer. Following the portrait canon, the artist has inscribed in the upper left part of the image: "Ewa z Kaniewskich Potocka / Star: Lwow: general: leut.".

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery