Lady with Rose-Ribbon in her Hair

This miniature by Bouton beautifully shows that simplicity and naturalness were the artistic ideals in the years following the Revolution. The sitter, turning her body slightly to the right, looks somewhat shyly at the observer. Her fair chemise dress “à la grecque” with a blue border on its short sleeves and a blue sash¹ contrasts with the dark park scenery in the background, while its folds echo the wild growth of the plants. The lady’s curly hair falls to her shoulders and is tied with a blue ribbon with pink roses. The delicate muslin fabric and the tender blossoms in the sitter’s hair enhance the impression of grace and lightness which is also found in the colouring of her face.
J. S. O.