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La Liseuse, by Alfred Stevens, oil, 1873

La Liseuse

Alfred Stevens

1873

oil

canvas

From the collection of Fitzwilliam Museum

Dominant colour

Overview

La Liseuse is a 1873 oil by Alfred Stevens, depicting Reading, held at Fitzwilliam Museum.

Who painted this?
Alfred Stevens
When & what style?
1873
Where can I see it?
Fitzwilliam Museum

About this work

This painting shows a woman sitting in a chair, engrossed in a book. She's dressed in a long, white dress with ruffles and lace details. The background is dark, which makes the woman stand out. The woman's face is turned slightly to the left, and her hair is pulled back. She's holding the book in both hands, and her posture suggests she's comfortable and focused on her reading. The overall atmosphere is quiet and intimate. The painting's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimension. The artist's attention to detail, especially in the woman's clothing and the book, adds to the painting's realism. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Alfred Stevens.

About the artist

Portrait of Alfred Stevens
Artist

Alfred Stevens

Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens (11 May 1823 – 24 August 1906) was a Belgian painter, known for his paintings of elegant modern women.

See the richer artist page

More by Alfred Stevens

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