Mlle Adéline from the Théâtre Italien

The face, neck and neckline of the young lady, who belonged to the Italian actors’ group in Paris,¹ show an outstanding soft luminosity in front of the dark grey background. The basic shade is a soft yellow, modelled with regular fine strokes in blue and green shades. Mouth and nose are distinctly accentuated. The vivid facial expression is determined by the eyes.The painter’s skill also becomes obvious in the presentation of the dress, the blue tied bodice, the white shirt with gathered sleeves, and the dark curls of hair which contrast with the dark background by the use of some soft white highlights.A coquettish extra is the rose twig on the lady’s left bosom; the bare nipple itself appears like a rosebud.