The Letter
1873
Before Giovanni Boldini became famous for his sleek, dizzying portraits of Parisian high society, he captured this charming domestic scene in 1873. A fashionably dressed woman in a striking yellow and blue gown, topped with an enormous feathered hat, leans over an ornate table to share a secret with a young child. The loose, fluid brushstrokes and the busy, patterned wallpaper in the background give the piece a lively, almost theatrical energy. It is a delightful glimpse into the artist's earlier career, showcasing his keen eye for elaborate fashions long before he fully embraced the speed of Impressionism.
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