Empress Eugenie, Surrounded by her Ladies-in-Waiting 1855

Franz Xaver Winterhalter's "Empress Eugenie, Surrounded by her Ladies-in-Waiting" (1855) portrays Empress Eugenie of France surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting. Painted in the style of Romantic portraiture, the work depicts the elegance and refinement of the French court during the Second Empire. The artist, a popular choice for royalty in the mid-19th century, uses lush colors and soft brushstrokes to capture the delicate beauty of the women and the grandeur of their surroundings. This work is a testament to Winterhalter's ability to capture the spirit of his time, and its large dimensions (402 x 300 cm) highlight the prominence of the subject matter.