Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, a French neoclassical artist, painted Caroline Maille, Madame Gonse in 1852 with remarkable perception and empathy. Madame Gonse was the wife of Josephine Caroline Maille. Ingres meticulously depicted the rapidly changing appearance of fashionable women during the 19th century. This painting is housed at Musée Ingres in Montauban, France and is available as a high-quality fine art print on canvas, photo paper or watercolor.
Ingres’ portrait of Madame Gonse is a prime example of his neoclassical style that emphasized clear form, graceful linearity and classical subject matter. The sitter’s pose and expression convey a sense of intimacy and trust that she had with Ingres. Her pearl necklace highlights her elegant neck while her dress sleeve frames her delicate hands.
Madame Gonse embodies what was fashionable among aristocratic French women during the mid-19th century. The gown has elaborate trimming and detailing around its neckline while exposing her shoulders which were considered sensual at that time. The contrasting fabrics between her skirt, waistband & top accentuate the hourglass figure which enhances the idealized beauty synonymous with neoclassical art.
Overall, Caroline Maille’s portrait by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres demonstrates his ability to capture the refinement & elegance exuded by aristocratic French women in their changing social landscape during 19th-century Europe.
