Mme B...a Fashionable Parisienne Preparing For a Promenade

Medium: Oil On Canvas
Size: 84 x 45 cm (33.1 x 17.7 in)
Signed: Signed lower right: JFRaffaëlli

A handwritten label on the reverse read: Madame B…

The elegant woman here buttons a glove and holds an umbrella as though about to embark on a promenade with her dog. Her stylish day dress, jacket, and matching black tulle hat, set-up a striking contrast to her pale complexion, light red hair, and white background. Unfortunately we do not know the identity of the mysterious Mme B, and this well-dressed bourgeoise probably has little immediate connection with the rude world of the lower classes, both working and unemployed, whom the artist so often portrays.