The Parisian Sphinx c. 1880

"The Parisian Sphinx" (c. 1880) is a portrait by Belgian painter Alfred Stevens, known for his evocative portrayals of fashionable women. The work depicts a woman with a composed gaze and a hint of mystery in her expression, underscored by the darkness of the background and her veiled face. The use of loose brushstrokes and a limited palette creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing viewers into the enigmatic world of the Parisian woman.