French Second Empire Portrait of a Bourgeois Lady Signed Perrault - 38½" x 33"

This grand oil on canvas presents a seated portrait of a bourgeois lady of the French Second Empire, signed _Perrault_. The sitter adopts a severe and formal pose, her rigid posture and unsmiling gaze underscoring the propriety and dignity of her station. She is attired in a lustrous black silk gown with a scalloped white lace collar and layered lace engageante cuffs, accented by a small gold brooch and rings, one a wedding band. Her hands rest deliberately on the dark folds of her dress, their pale tones and the delicate white handkerchief she holds standing out in striking contrast to the deep black silk. The neutral umber background, confined to the upper portion of the canvas, further focuses attention on the figure, emphasizing the textures of fabric, lace, and skin.

The overall effect is one of austerity and refinement, perfectly in keeping with mid-19th century portraiture. Second Empire portraiture celebrated social standing and refinement, and this composition follows the academic realist tradition favored in Paris under Napoleon III. The sober background, careful modeling, and meticulous rendering of lace and jewelry reflect the teachings of the School of Fine Arts and the lingering influence of Ingres and his circle.

A striking statement for a library, drawing room, or entry hall, the portrait brings gravitas and a measured elegance to traditional or contemporary settings. Its bold giltwood frame, with scrolling and cabochon ornament, further enhances this sense of dignity and presence, amplifying the sitter’s formal severity. It pairs well with Napoleon III, Empire, or Louis-Philippe furnishings, and also offers a compelling counterpoint above a modern console or mantel against a deep-colored wall.