Anthelme François Lagrénée

Lady in White Dress with Veil

This portrait contains an artistic trick developed by Isabey: the faces of female sitters were embedded in tull veils and flower decoration, which gave them charm and gracefulness even in the case that their appearance did not correspond to the contemporary ideal of beauty. Due to his meticulouness Lagrénée's portraits are often a little harsh; still, this harshness entails an individualistic and interesting touch.