Victoria Duborg 1866

Edgar Degas made this oil on canvas portrait of Victoria Dubourg sometime in the late 19th century. The portrait offers us insight into the social conventions and expectations surrounding women during this period in France. Dubourg, also a painter, is portrayed with a reserved demeanor, her posture and dress reflecting the conservative norms of the time. The somber color palette and simple composition further emphasize her conformity to societal expectations. But the very act of portraying a woman artist challenges traditional gender roles within the art world. The institutional history of art during the 19th century reveals a stark gender imbalance, with women largely excluded from formal training and exhibition opportunities. Degas’s choice to depict Dubourg, a fellow artist, can be seen as a subtle critique of these exclusionary practices. By examining exhibition records, biographies, and social histories, we can gain a deeper appreciation of this artwork and its place within the broader cultural landscape.