The Lady with the Veil (the Artist's Wife) was painted by Alexander Roslin in 1768, during a period when he was an established portraitist in Europe. The sitter is Marie-Suzanne Giroust, the artist’s wife, depicted in a costume that references the theatrical masquerade traditions popular among the upper classes in the eighteenth century. This work is recognized as one of the most celebrated paintings in the collection of the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm. The composition presents a woman partially concealed by a black silk veil, holding a decorated fan close to her face.

She is dressed in white lace and pink silk, with a gloved hand visible, and her expression is marked by a subtle, knowing smile. The costume is described as being à la bolonaise, referencing the style of Bologna, and the play of light across the fabrics and skin demonstrates Roslin’s technical mastery in rendering texture and luminosity. The painting’s intimate and enigmatic qualities are heightened by the sitter’s direct gaze and the veil’s partial concealment of her features. This portrait has remained in the collection of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, where it is regarded as a highlight of the museum’s holdings.

The painting’s subject, costume, and execution reflect the social customs and artistic interests of the late eighteenth century, particularly the fascination with masquerade and role-playing among the elite. The work has been widely exhibited and reproduced, contributing to its enduring reputation in the history of Swedish and European portraiture.