The artwork, titled “Portrait of an Actress in Eighteenth Century Dress,” is a pastel on paper created circa 1883 by artist James Tissot. Representing the Impressionism movement, this portrait, measuring 58.4 x 73.7 cm, features an actress dressed in the attire of the eighteenth century. The piece is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, a woman is presented in a close-up bust portrait against a softly blurred background. She is portrayed with a voluminous and elaborate hairstyle typical of the eighteenth century. Her hair is adorned with a red ribbon, which adds a striking focal point. The actress’s visage exhibits a serene, confident expression, her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer, which imbues the portrait with a sense of poise and elegance. Her attire, rendered in delicate pastel hues, suggests the fine, ethereal materials characteristic of the period’s fashion. James Tissot’s masterful use of pastel captures the textures and subtle tones, highlighting the subject’s refined features and the sophistication of her dress. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of delicate color and graceful composition, epitomizing Tissot’s skill in portraiture and the sensibilities of the Impressionist art movement.
