Portrait of Madame Josephina Alvear de Errazuriz 1892

Giovanni Boldini painted this portrait of Madame Josephina Alvear de Errazuriz, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, with oil on canvas. Boldini, an Italian expatriate in Paris, was known for his portraits of high society women. The painting showcases his distinctive style, characterized by loose brushwork and a sense of movement. Here, the confident pose and opulent attire of Madame Errazuriz speak to the social and economic standing of women at the time. Portraits like this one provided a visual record of elite society, solidifying the status of both the sitter and the artist. The cultural context is crucial: this was a time of increasing social mobility and evolving gender roles. To understand this painting more fully, we can turn to sources such as fashion magazines, social registers, and exhibition reviews. These help us to reveal the complex interplay between art, identity, and social status in the Belle Époque.