Penelope 1845 - 1877

"Penelope" is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Charles-François Marchal between 1845 and 1877. The painting depicts a woman, Penelope, in a blue gown, standing and tying a ribbon around a small parcel. The delicate details of the woman's dress and the soft light cast on her face are characteristic of Marchal's style. "Penelope" is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The artwork has been noted for its sensitive portrayal of a woman lost in thought, possibly referencing the story of Penelope and her unwavering loyalty to her husband, Odysseus. This painting reflects a realist style with its focus on everyday life and intimate moments, common in 19th-century French art.