The artwork “Catharine Lorillard Wolfe” is an oil painting on canvas created by the artist Alexandre Cabanel in 1876. The painting is executed in the academic style, known as Academicism, and reflects the fine art standards and techniques promoted by European academies of art at the time. This portrait measures 171.5 cm by 108.6 cm and depicts Catharine Lorillard Wolfe, a prominent figure in her time. The genre of the painting is classified as a portrait.
The image portrays Catharine Lorillard Wolfe standing in an elegant pose. She wears a sumptuous pale-yellow dress with elaborate ruffles and drapery; her attire suggests wealth and refinement, characteristics often emphasized in formal portraiture of the era. Wolfe’s hair is styled in an updo, typical of the period’s fashion, and she gazes directly at the viewer, her expression serene and confident.
Her right hand rests lightly on a green upholstered piece of furniture, which could be a sofa or chair, while her left hand holds a fan partially tucked into her belt. A fur stole is draped over her left forearm, adding to the luxuriousness of her ensemble. Behind her is a rich, dark backdrop that contrasts with her light dress, making her figure the focal point of the composition. The painting exudes the grace and poise favored by academic artists and patrons in the 19th century.
