Artist in her studio 

Alfred Stevens painted this image of an artist in her studio using oil on canvas sometime in the mid-19th century. The artist is capturing her own image reflected back at her through a mirror, engaging in the highly skilled tradition of painting with oils. The impasto of the paint is clearly visible and emphasizes the texture of the work. The work references the rise of a new market for art and art supplies brought about by industrialization and the rise of capitalism. The paint, canvas, easel, mirror, and brushes were available to a growing middle class that was eager to engage with the traditions of art. We see the painting as both a reflection of this market and an implicit commentary on artistic labor. Paying attention to materials, making and the painting’s context helps us understand the full meaning of the artwork.