“The Slag,” crafted by Felicien Rops in 1882, is a portrait rendered using pastel on paper. The artwork, measuring 45.5 by 30 centimeters, belongs to the Symbolism art movement. This portrait, exemplifying Rops’ distinct style, encapsulates the symbolic and often enigmatic essence of his works.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted standing against a wall, bathed in a warm, subdued light that illuminates her face and the folds of her attire. She wears a dark, elegant hat adorned with a feather, and a gray overcoat draped over her shoulders, partially revealing a black dress beneath. Her gaze is indirect, directed slightly downward and to the side, lending a contemplative and somewhat melancholy air. The background, dominated by shades of reddish-brown, adds to the warmth and intimacy of the scene, while a faintly visible light fixture above and the partially legible text on the wall evoke a sense of an enclosed, interior space. The use of pastel creates soft, subtle blends of color and texture, characteristic of Rops’ symbolic approach to portraiture.
