An elegantly dressed woman and her page, from a group of drawings depicting Peruvian dress 1843 - 1853

This watercolor painting of an elegantly dressed woman and her page was created by Francisco Fierro, also known as "Pancho" Fierro, in the 19th century. Fierro, a key figure in Peruvian art, captured everyday life in Lima, reflecting the city's diverse society after it gained independence. In this piece, the woman, likely a member of the upper class, is depicted in traditional attire that signals both modesty and status. By her side is a young page, possibly of African descent, dressed in livery, who attends to her needs. The presence of the page highlights the social hierarchies of the time. Fierro's art offers us a glimpse into a society marked by its rigid class and racial structures, even as it sought to define its own identity in the post-colonial era. The very act of documenting these scenes challenges traditional academic art, bringing attention to the experiences of those often overlooked in grand historical narratives. Fierro invites us to consider the complexities of identity, class, and representation in 19th-century Peru.