books0977:Les Parisiennes (1873). Giovanni Boldini (Italian, 1842-1931). Oil on panel.Here two beaut
books0977:Les Parisiennes (1873). Giovanni Boldini (Italian, 1842-1931). Oil on panel.Here two beautiful, fashionable young ladies are shown passing a quiet afternoon in a Louis XVI-decorated study. A Flemish Classical Triumph tapestry, from Brussels of Bruges of the 16th Century, forms the backdrop to the composition, while an Anatolian single-niche prayer rug of lustrous colour is laid out on the floor. The brunette is distracted by events unfolding outside the window, while the blonde model, Berthe – Boldini’s lover and muse – reads quietly. Adding to the period décor are the open secrétaire à abattant and desk chair, as well as the Gobelins woven tapestry adorning the walls. While the sumptuous setting is steeped in tradition and history, the women display a distinctly modern sensibility. Berthe reads Le Figaro and holds a lit cigarette, her casual, relaxed position denoting an air of confidence. -- source link