Portrait of Madame X 1884

"Portrait of Madame X" is a pastel drawing by the Russian-born artist Marie Bashkirtseff, completed in 1884, just a few months before her untimely death at the age of 25. The work, which is now housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, is a striking portrait of an unknown woman, likely a friend or acquaintance of Bashkirtseff. The subject's gaze is direct and intense, her features rendered with both sensitivity and realism. The use of pastel creates a soft, almost ethereal quality to the portrait, while the dark background emphasizes the subject's presence. This portrait exemplifies Bashkirtseff's talent as a portraitist, showcasing her ability to capture the character and personality of her subjects through her artwork.