Woman with a Taper 1873

"Woman with a Taper" is a painting by Jules Breton, a prominent French Realist painter. The artwork depicts a woman in traditional Breton attire, standing in a dimly lit setting, likely a church or chapel. Her solemn expression and the flickering candle she holds suggest a moment of prayer or contemplation. Breton's paintings often focused on rural life and the simplicity of the working class, making them both aesthetically pleasing and socially significant. This particular painting exemplifies his skill in capturing the quiet dignity and spiritual devotion of everyday people, a characteristic of his Realist style.