The artwork titled “Josephine Gaujean” is an oil on canvas portrait executed in 1867 by the artist Edgar Degas, a prominent figure associated with the Realism art movement. The portrait’s dimensions are 61.2 by 45.7 centimeters, and it presently resides within the collection of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, also known as Fenway Court, located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
In this portrait, the subject, presumably Josephine Gaujean, is depicted seated against a muted, neutral background. Her gaze is fixed directly at the viewer, conveying a sense of immediate engagement. The subject’s complexion contrasts with the dark clothing she wears—a high-necked, long-sleeved black garment that envelops her figure. The lighting accentuates the contours of her face, her clasped hands, and the intricate details of her attire, such as the delicate lacy fabric and a floral headpiece that adorns her hair. The artwork captures a quiet, reflective moment, with the subject’s expression suggesting thoughtfulness or introspection. Although minimalist in composition, the painting is rich in texture and depth, hallmarks of Degas’ work and the Realism movement, which aimed to depict subjects truthfully without idealization.
