“The Blue Dress,” an oil painting executed circa 1870 by Auguste Toulmouche, is an exemplar of Academicism’s genre painting. The artwork, measuring 65 x 54 cm, is presently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young woman, elegantly attired in a striking blue dress accented with yellow ribbons, standing in what appears to be a well-appointed room. Her back is faced towards the viewer, drawing attention to the rich details of her gown. The room is furnished with ornate elements including a lavishly decorated clock mounted on the wall, a wooden chest with decorative porcelain, a chair with luxurious fabrics draped over it, and a small table adorned with potted plants. The warm, reddish tones of the wall coverings complement the opulent setting, adding to the overall atmosphere of refinement and elegance captured in the painting.
