Erneste Bioche de Misery

Girodet was a friend of the sitter. She is shown as the height of fashion: hairstyle and costume are inspired by ancient Roman sculpture; her white dress implies a virtuous simplicity, while being simultaneously revealing. The artist contrasts the sitter’s smooth, carefully modelled flesh with the elegant folds of the drapery and the too crisply silhouetted leaves. The overall effect is of poise, perhaps artifice, both of the sitter and the painting. Girodet was among David’s most talented pupils, and the most willful, striking out on his own path. His work is refined – even mannered – and sensual. Frame: running moulding with moulded composition ornament, gilded. France, early 19th century