Blanche Vesnić (née Ulman) 1913

Jean Béraud painted this portrait of Blanche Vesnić, née Ulman, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century using oil on canvas, a technique he clearly mastered. It’s all about light, right? Check out how he uses these thin washes of blue and yellow to build form, almost like watercolor. You can see the brushstrokes, a little scratchy and uneven, which keeps it lively. The dress, that golden yellow gown, seems to glow from within, and the way it drapes...it’s all about capturing a fleeting moment, a sense of elegance and poise. The subtle textures in the dress give it a real presence, like you could reach out and feel the fabric. Look closely at the folds around her feet - that's where Béraud really lets loose. It reminds me of Sargent, both in their quick, assured brushwork, and their understanding of light and surface. Ultimately, painting is about how one thing relates to another. It’s like a conversation with the canvas, always open to change, to new ideas.