Girl in a white dress 1883

Albert Edelfelt painted this portrait in oil paint on canvas; materials that defined fine art in his time. As a portrait, this work speaks to the culture of display so central to capitalism. By commissioning it, the sitter and her family were effectively marketing themselves, projecting an image of beauty and refinement. The lace on the dress is skillfully rendered with an understated brushwork that balances realism and painterly effect. Lace-making has a history as both domestic craft and commercial industry. Edelfelt's rendering suggests both. The garment whispers of the complex economies of labor and skill, and the social distinctions that such commodities could convey. Looking closely, you can almost feel the quiet atmosphere of the studio, the intimate exchange between artist and model. When we consider how the production and consumption of art intertwine with social and economic forces, we can see beyond the surface of aesthetics.