Francis I and his Mistress (Anne de Pisseleu?) c. 1826 - 1827

Editor: Here we have Eugène Delacroix's "Francis I and his Mistress (Anne de Pisseleu?)". I’m struck by the textures; the velvet dress, the fur trim. What can you tell me about the materiality of this painting? Curator: Well, let’s consider the context. Delacroix was fascinated by historical narratives, but he also understood the power of the commodity. The luxurious fabrics, meticulously rendered, speak to the court’s opulence, and to the societal value placed on such displays of wealth. How does the rendering of these textures serve Delacroix’s broader artistic goals? Editor: So, it’s not just about historical accuracy, but about commenting on consumption and class? That’s a different angle than I considered. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Examining the materials and their representation reveals so much about the social fabric of the time.