Portrait de Madame Corsse 1805

Louis Léopold Boilly painted this portrait of Madame Corsse, capturing the essence of a woman in a rapidly changing world. Boilly, who lived through the French Revolution, developed a reputation for genre paintings of Parisian life. Here, Madame Corsse is depicted with a certain understated elegance. There’s a softness in her gaze and a gentle curve to her lips which suggests a character of warmth and intelligence. It is interesting to think about Madame Corsse, her position in society, and her lived experience during a time when the roles of women were being subtly but surely renegotiated. Boilly's decision to portray Madame Corsse with such humanity perhaps reflects his sensitivity to the evolving status of women. This portrait then, invites us to contemplate the individual stories that are often overshadowed by the grand narratives of history.