“The Political Lady” is an exquisite oil painting on canvas by James Tissot, created between 1883 and 1885. Belonging to the Realism art movement, this genre painting forms part of his distinguished “La Femme à Paris” series. The artwork measures 142.24 x 101 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a bustling social gathering, characterized by opulent attire and intricate details emblematic of the period. A lady, ostensibly the central figure, is immersed in the social milieu, her elegant posture complemented by a voluminous pink frilled dress and elaborate fan. Surrounding her is a mixture of men and women engaged in animated conversation, their attire reflecting the sophistication and affluence of the setting. Tissot masterfully captures the essence of the social dynamics and the grandeur of a high-society event, providing a vivid snapshot of the period’s cultural and social fabric.