O modelo 1897

"O Modelo" (1897) by José Ferraz de Almeida Júnior depicts a scene in an artist's studio. A seated artist, likely a self-portrait, faces the viewer while a woman dressed in finery stands to his left. The setting is richly detailed with visible artwork and books, suggesting the artist's passion for his craft. The woman's presence and her elegant attire hint at the artist's social standing and the role of patronage in his work. Júnior, who died in 1899 at the age of 49, is known for his realist portraits and genre paintings, capturing the everyday lives of Brazilians during the late 19th century. This intimate scene offers a glimpse into the world of an artist, emphasizing both the creative process and the social context of artistic practice.