Woman with fan Giacomo Favretto (1849-1887)

The composition presents a seated figure, viewed from behind and slightly to one side. The woman is positioned in what appears to be an interior space, defined by a wall that occupies much of the background. This wall is rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting a textured surface and a deliberate lack of precise detail. A sheer curtain hangs from it, allowing diffused light to filter through, creating a soft glow on the figure’s shoulders and upper body.
The womans hair is styled in an elaborate updo, hinting at a certain social standing or attention to personal presentation. She holds a fan partially obscuring her face; only the side of her profile is visible, lending an air of mystery and restraint. Her attire consists of a dark patterned top over a red garment that drapes across her lap, and a long green skirt. The color palette is muted, dominated by greens, browns, blacks, and creams, contributing to a sense of quietude and introspection.
A small plant in a woven basket sits at the woman’s feet, introducing a touch of naturalism into the otherwise formal setting. A birdcage hangs from the wall near the curtain, adding another layer of symbolic potential – perhaps representing confinement or aspiration for freedom.
The paintings subtexts revolve around themes of femininity, observation, and interiority. The obscured face invites speculation about her thoughts and emotions; she is presented as a subject observed rather than an active participant in the scene. The fan itself becomes a symbol of flirtation, modesty, or social etiquette. The overall impression is one of subtle elegance and restrained emotion, suggesting a moment captured from a private world. The loose brushwork and limited color range contribute to a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if witnessing a fleeting glimpse into someone’s personal space.