Thompson Alfred La Japonaise Alfred Thompson

The composition presents a woman in elaborate attire engaged with a decorative screen displaying a traditional scene. She stands in profile, her gaze directed towards the screen, and her hand gently extended as if touching its surface. The figures posture conveys a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps delicate appraisal.
The woman’s clothing is particularly striking; it consists of an intricately patterned kimono with a complex layering of colors – greens, blues, pinks, and reds – and tied with an ornate obi. Her hair is styled in a traditional updo, adorned with decorative elements that further emphasize her exotic appearance. The overall effect suggests wealth, refinement, and a deliberate embrace of foreign aesthetics.
The screen itself depicts a stylized landscape populated by birds and foliage. Its format is divided into panels, each containing a miniature scene, characteristic of Japanese folding screens. A stone sculpture of a mythical creature sits atop the screen, adding another layer to the composition’s cultural references.
Below the screen rests a large ceramic vase, decorated with floral motifs, which echoes the decorative elements present in the womans clothing and the screen itself. The background is rendered in muted tones, allowing the figure and the objects surrounding her to take center stage.
The painting seems to explore themes of cultural exchange and fascination with the Orient. It’s likely intended as a display of luxury and sophistication, showcasing both the beauty of foreign art and the elegance of the woman who appreciates it. The gesture of touching the screen suggests an intimate connection with this other culture, while her posture implies a certain distance – a careful observation rather than full immersion. Theres a sense of curated display, as if the scene is staged to convey a particular message about taste and cultural awareness.