Portrait d'Odette Désirée Thérèse Godefroy de Suresnes 

Anne-Louis Girodet captured Odette Désirée Thérèse Godefroy de Suresnes in oil on canvas. The fur draped across Odette’s shoulders invites us to consider the labor embedded in luxury. Think about it – from trapping and skinning animals, to the complex processing needed to transform pelts into a soft, wearable garment. This fur wasn't just a fashion statement; it was a potent symbol of wealth and status, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. Fur, lace, and velvet were coveted materials, indicative of a life far removed from the growing toils of the working class. Girodet’s meticulous brushwork renders these textures with remarkable fidelity, highlighting their inherent qualities. Yet, this portrait reminds us that such finery came at a cost, both human and environmental. The materials and their making are inseparable from their cultural and social meaning. By paying close attention to this, we can appreciate how the painting operates as more than just a representation of a woman; it is also a reflection of a complex historical moment.