Elegant Lady with a Fan in an Interior
Painting, oil on panel or canvas • Julius LeBlanc Stewart (American, 1855-1919)
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Academic Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil technique characterized by fluid, painterly brushwork with impasto highlights, particularly in the rendering of the silk dress and the lace details.
Creation Period
Circa 1885-1895
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm) excluding frame; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A portrait of an elegantly dressed high-society woman seated in a dimly lit interior. She holds a folded fan and rests near a table covered with a vibrant red cloth. The composition focuses on the textures of her elaborate evening gown and her poise, typical of the Gilded Age aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the painting appears stable with a rich patina, though there are visible signs of surface grime and elderly varnish yellowing.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $25,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$10,000 - $15,000 USD
Provenance History
Sotheby's New York, 1988; currently in a private collection. Likely passed through major New York or Parisian galleries during the early 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Stewart was a central figure among American expatriates in Paris, often referred to as 'the most Parisian of the Americans.' This work is a classic example of his ability to capture the opulence and social hierarchy of the late 19th-century elite.
Notable Features
Features a signature in the lower right; housed in a high-quality, period-appropriate Louis XV style giltwood frame with ornate rocaille motifs and beaded inner border.
Condition Issues
Potential surface cracking (craquelure) consistent with age, minor discolored varnish which slightly obscures the original cool tones of the dress, and some wear to the gilt frame's ornate molding.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish refresh are recommended to restore the vibrancy of the pigments. Ensure the environment is climate-controlled to prevent movement in the support.
Collector Notes
Jules Leblanc Stewart provensnvde sothebys New York 1988 signed lower right