Artwork
In Memoriam
In Memoriam is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Alfred Stevens. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
In Memoriam is a painting by Alfred Stevens, created in 1861 during his association with the realist movement in 19th-century Paris. The work is characterized by a somber atmosphere, depicting two women in a dimly lit, column-adorned room, each accompanied by a small wooden chair.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays two women in contrasting attire: one in mourning (black dress and veil) and the other in a vibrant, patterned shawl over black. Their faces are cast in shadow, conveying quiet contemplation, likely in remembrance or mourning, as suggested by the title.
Technique & Style
Stevens employed techniques reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch genre painters, blending these with a realist approach focused on contemporary, upper-middle-class subjects. The use of dim lighting and shadows enhances the somber mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1861, In Memoriam is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, reflecting Stevens' thematic preoccupation with upper-middle-class life scenes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens (11 May 1823 – 24 August 1906) was a Belgian painter, known for his paintings of elegant modern women.
