Portrait de Léonie Dufresne, baronne le Vavasseur, puis marquise de Vaucouleurs de Lanjamet 1875

Carolus-Duran captured Léonie Dufresne on canvas, using oil paints to render her likeness. But notice how the velvety texture of her elaborate dress practically leaps off the canvas. This effect is thanks to the artist's masterful use of impasto, building up layers of paint to mimic the depth and feel of actual fabric and lace. Consider the social context: the late 19th century was a time of intense industrial production, which made luxurious materials more accessible. Yet, handcraftsmanship retained immense cultural value. The dress itself would have been the product of many hours of labor, likely involving the specialized skills of seamstresses and lacemakers. Duran is careful to evoke this material reality, even as he flatters his aristocratic sitter. In doing so, he bridges the gap between the traditional world of portraiture and the burgeoning world of fashion and industrial production. Appreciating the craft, material, and context of this painting allows us to understand the intersection between labor, class, and artistic representation.