Portrait of Laure Fle 1898

Theo van Rysselberghe painted this portrait of Laure Fle, using oil on canvas, sometime in the late 19th century. The painting employs a pointillist technique, with countless tiny dots of color creating a shimmering, almost vibrating effect. The overall impression is luminous, softening the contours of the figure. Look closely at how Rysselberghe orchestrates the composition. The figure of Laure Fle is set against a muted backdrop, her white dress contrasting with the pale green patterned wall behind her. This juxtaposition, along with the green floral sash and the subject’s auburn hair, anchors the portrait. The texture is built up through small, yet deliberate brushstrokes. What’s significant here is not just the aesthetic appeal, but how Rysselberghe uses the Neo-Impressionist technique to subtly challenge traditional portraiture. The dissolving forms and the emphasis on light and color over definitive outlines reflect a shift away from objective representation towards a more subjective, sensory experience. He encourages us to question the very act of seeing.