Alfred Stevens

Whitford & Hughes, London, by 1986 
Sale: Christie's, London, 3 December 2003, lot 19
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Christiane Lefebvre, Alfred Stevens, Paris, 2006, p. 153, fig. 182, catalogued & illustrated (as Alsacienne)

The canvas has been lined. There is some light frame rubbing in the extreme lower framing edge. Ultra-violet light reveals an even layer of varnish which makes the surface quite difficult to read. However, some minor scattered spots of cosmetic retouching are visible, notably some small spots in the sculpture in the left and in the woman's face and neck, and some fine strokes in the lower framing edge and in the lower part of the left framing edge. Overall, this work is in good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Alfred Stevens' intimate scenes with elegant women, richly dressed in period gowns, allowed him to gain a worldwide notoriety, synonymous with the elegance of the Second Empire. The high prices that his works commanded enabled him to purchase beautiful period furniture, pictures and objects which he represents in his own compositions.

Known for his richly accessorized portrait, Stevens chooses here to depict a maid, captured by the bronze statue she just dusted, which appears to look back at her. While the subject is quite unusual for the artist, Stevens evidently wanted to show an unknown beauty, where we are not expected to find it. The young lady with red hair and alabaster skin is portrayed with care: the painter details the lace on her shirt as well as the embroidery around the  hem of the skirt, as much as the feathers on the duster, the beautiful flowers on the left and finely the smoothness of the sculpted bronze.