Mademoiselle de Clermont-Tonnerre 1865

Alfred Stevens made this drawing of Mademoiselle de Clermont-Tonnerre in France. It's a study in charcoal and crayon. The image offers a glimpse into the culture of portraiture and celebrity during the late 19th century. Stevens was known for his depictions of elegant women in domestic settings. These images resonated with the growing bourgeoisie eager to emulate aristocratic lifestyles. Mademoiselle de Clermont-Tonnerre, whose identity likely carried social weight, is depicted in a relaxed pose, surrounded by domestic décor. We can read the composition as commenting on the social structures of its time. It presents a carefully constructed image of femininity and status. Historical sources, such as fashion magazines, domestic advice manuals, and exhibition reviews, can provide further insights into the social milieu of the period. Art isn't made in a vacuum. It reflects the values, aspirations, and power dynamics of a particular moment in time.