Madame Rémy Salvaor 1901

Antonio de La Gándara made this portrait of Madame Rémy Salvaor with delicate, feathery strokes, mostly in shades of sepia, umber, and cream. I like to imagine Gándara in his studio, working on this piece with charcoal and pastels, building up the image through layers of subtle marks. The model's pose is so languid and wistful, like she's caught between worlds, which makes me wonder, what was she thinking at that moment? I bet Gándara felt it too. There is a push and pull in the way she almost fades into the drapes, but then the sharp details of her dress and jewellery bring her forward. Her expression is beautifully captured, a slight vulnerability in her eyes. It reminds me of Whistler's portraits, particularly in the tonal harmonies and the emphasis on mood. Artists are always borrowing from each other, you know, like a visual conversation across time. I am constantly inspired by their boldness and inventiveness.