Portrait of a Young Woman 1870

This ‘Portrait of a Young Woman’ was painted by Alfred Stevens, using oil on canvas. Although it is not dated, this painting likely came out of the late 19th century. Look closely and you will see that Stevens’ brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the woman’s dress and the surrounding interior. The dark palette, predominantly blacks and grays, lends the painting a certain gravity. This was achieved by carefully layering and blending the oil paint. The sitter’s clothing is not just a fashion statement; it is a testament to the labor and materials involved in creating such garments. Think of all the human and industrial capital invested in such a commonplace element of this painting. The dress’s fine fabrics and intricate detailing speak to the rise of industrial production methods, along with new forms of consumption. Recognizing these factors allows us to consider the social and economic context of the painting, and how it reflects broader cultural shifts in 19th century Europe.