Signed lower left.
This intimate and evocative portrait by Charles Joshua Chaplin captures a moment of sensual introspection. With masterful handling of light and shadow, Chaplin creates a dramatic chiaroscuro effect that emphasizes the softness of the woman’s skin and the delicate interplay of fabric and flesh. Her slightly parted lips and tilted gaze convey a sense of vulnerability and allure, drawing the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the subject.
The loose yet controlled brushwork, particularly in the rendering of the lace fabric, demonstrates Chaplin’s academic training and refined technique. The warm, naturalistic tones enhance the emotional depth of the piece, making it a striking example of 19th-century French portraiture.
Marché Paul Bert Serpette, Saint-Ouen, France
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Unframed.
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Charles Joshua Chaplin (1825–1891) was a French painter and printmaker known for his elegant portraits and genre scenes, often depicting young women in soft, romantic settings. Influenced by Rococo and academic art, Chaplin mastered a delicate, refined style characterized by luminous skin tones and exquisite detail. His work was widely admired in the 19th century, and he exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon.
Beyond his portraits, Chaplin also painted allegorical and floral compositions, embracing a light, pastel color palette. He gained significant recognition during his lifetime, receiving commissions from European aristocracy, including Empress Eugénie of France. Today, his works are celebrated for their charm and grace, reflecting the aesthetic ideals of the Second Empire period.
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