L’attente trompée 

Henri Gervex created this oil painting, L’attente trompée, with brushes and a canvas as his base. While these are traditional materials for painting, Gervex’s application brings a modern sensibility. Notice the loose, gestural brushstrokes, visible especially in the woman’s fur-trimmed wrap and elaborate hat. This technique, typical of Impressionism, prioritizes the immediate impression over meticulous detail. Look closely, and you'll see how Gervex uses the texture of the paint itself to suggest the softness of fur and the voluminous quality of the hat. The way the light plays across these surfaces animates the scene, but also hints at the woman's inner turmoil. The painting's title, meaning "Deceived Expectation," suggests a narrative beyond what's immediately visible. The woman's melancholic gaze and slumped posture, combined with the opulent textures of her clothing, create a poignant contrast. Is she a kept woman, reliant on the labor of others for her lifestyle? Or an actress waiting for her chance to take center stage? Gervex’s genius lies in making you wonder. He uses materiality to explore themes of expectation, disappointment, and the complex social realities of his time.