Madame Simon 

Pierre-Paul Prud'hon painted this portrait of Madame Simon with oils on canvas. Prud’hon developed a style deeply rooted in the turbulence of the French Revolution. Here, Madame Simon is not idealized; instead, Prud’hon captures her with a striking realism. He presents her in a manner that departs from the typical portrayals of women in that era. The painting offers a glimpse into the lives of women of the time and their evolving identities. The inclusion of fur and fine fabrics signifies Madame Simon’s elevated social standing, while her modest attire and austere expression challenge conventional representations of femininity. Prud’hon invites us to look beyond surface appearances, prompting us to consider the complexities inherent in identity and representation during times of social transformation.