The Parisienne 1883

Albert Edelfelt painted ‘The Parisienne’ using oil on canvas, a hallmark of fine art meant to elevate the subject. Yet, this ‘Parisienne’ is framed by a folding screen painted with bamboo and a patterned silk shawl draped on a Chinese Chippendale chair, suggesting an artistic interest in design. Edelfelt renders each material with remarkable skill; the matte texture of the screen contrasts with the reflective silk, itself adorned with delicate embroidery. The time and labor that goes into each is made apparent. What does it mean to be consuming these objects, and where did they come from? By positioning his sitter amongst these studio props, Edelfelt prompts us to consider the construction of identities through material possessions. The painting blurs the lines between the fine arts and global trade, and the way taste is constructed and consumed.