Conversation at the Cafe 1879

Giovanni Boldini's "Conversation at the Cafe," is undated but was probably painted with oils on panel at the height of Parisian café society. The image is interesting not so much for the conversation between the subjects but for its depiction of a very specific social ritual, showing a seemingly candid moment. The café was the perfect place to see and be seen, and the painting seems to reflect that these women were part of a privileged class. While there is nothing to suggest that they were 'working', their fashion is their occupation. The 'bourgeoisification' of Paris was underway and leisure time had become an aspiration. The painting's social context can be further explored by comparing it to other depictions of cafe society, and scrutinising fashion plates and other documents. It's through this kind of art-historical research that we can really begin to understand the cultural meaning of a painting like this.