Portrait of a Woman 1790 - 1800

Anthonie Joseph Helant painted this small portrait on ivory sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. Consider the role of portraiture during this period, particularly among the elite. It was a way of preserving one's image and projecting a certain status. The woman's elaborate hairstyle and fashionable dress speak to her social standing, while the miniature format suggests a personal, intimate object, perhaps intended to be worn as a locket or kept as a memento. Helant was active in a period when European society was undergoing significant change, with the rise of new social classes and shifting cultural values. The art world was also evolving, with new institutions such as public museums and academies shaping artistic taste and production. Understanding this work requires delving into the social history of 18th and 19th century Europe through resources like fashion and art journals, to further contextualize the painting. In this way we can understand how this image reflects the values and aspirations of its time.