Karl Bryullov's portrait captures the Italian opera singer Juditta Pasta in her celebrated role as Anne Boleyn. The dramatic pose and dark colour palette evoke the tragic story of the Tudor queen.

This oil on canvas portrait by Karl Bryullov (1799-1852) depicts the Italian opera singer Juditta Pasta in character as Anne Boleyn. Bryullov, a Russian painter, is considered a figure in the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism in Russian art. He is best known for his large-scale historical paintings, but also produced portraits of prominent figures of his time. Juditta Pasta (1797-1865) was a celebrated soprano known for her dramatic abilities and vocal range. She performed extensively in London and Paris, creating roles in operas by Bellini and Donizetti. Her portrayal of Anne Boleyn in Donizetti's opera 'Anna Bolena' was one of her most acclaimed roles. In this full-length portrait, Pasta is shown in a dark, flowing gown with silver trim, evoking the Tudor period. The background suggests a stone interior, perhaps a prison cell, alluding to Anne Boleyn's imprisonment and execution. Pasta strikes a theatrical pose, one hand raised to her head, the other extended outward, conveying a sense of drama and emotion. The painting captures both the likeness of the singer and the tragic character she embodied on stage.