Woman with a Muff c. 1884

Georges Seurat sketched 'Woman with a Muff' using Conté crayon, capturing a woman in profile, her hands buried in a fur muff. The muff, beyond its practical function, speaks volumes. It is a symbol of modesty, warmth and a hidden sensuality. Think of the Venus Pudica, who uses her hand to conceal her sexuality. Similarly, the muff is a barrier, but also an allusion. Consider how this motif appears in Renaissance portraits, evolving from mere handwarmers to emblems of status and virtue. Here, Seurat strips away the ostentation, revealing a more intimate, perhaps melancholic, dimension. This is more than just a fashion accessory; it becomes a psychological shield, a tangible manifestation of inner emotions, whispering tales of societal expectations, privacy, and the complexities of the female experience. We see a cycle of protection that has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different contexts.