Young Woman in a Blue and Black Dress 1863

"Young Woman in a Blue and Black Dress" is a watercolor by Constantin Guys, a French artist known for his drawings and watercolors of Parisian life. Created in 1863, the artwork captures the essence of fashion and elegance prevalent during the Second Empire period. The composition focuses on a woman adorned in a striking blue and black dress, her figure partially obscured by the garment’s flowing fabric. Guys’ use of subtle washes and loose brushstrokes creates a sense of movement and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the subject’s world. This intimate portrait, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Guys’ keen observation of social scenes and his ability to convey the fleeting moments of Parisian life in his art.