Portrait of Madame Marie Clerc 1874

Carolus-Duran painted this portrait of Madame Marie Clerc in 1874, capturing her in elegant attire against a muted backdrop. The most striking element here is the red paisley shawl draped over her arm, a motif that carries a rich history. Originating in Persia and India, the paisley pattern, with its curved, teardrop shape, evokes the ancient symbol of the cypress tree, representing life and eternity. This motif migrated westward, becoming fashionable in Europe during the 19th century. Interestingly, we see echoes of this shape in earlier art forms—the flame-like decorations adorning ancient Greek pottery, or the stylized floral designs in Renaissance tapestries. It’s as though the human psyche is drawn to this particular form, imbuing it with layers of meaning over time. The paisley shawl, therefore, is not just a fashion accessory but a vessel of cultural memory, subtly hinting at a world of history and emotion.