Portrait of Josephine de Beauharnais Antoine Calbet (1860-1944)

The drawing presents a woman in profile, her gaze directed towards the left of the frame. She is depicted from the chest upwards, and occupies most of the pictorial space. The style suggests a fashion plate or preparatory sketch for such a publication, given its refined lines and focus on dress details.
Here we see a light pink gown with a high waistline, characteristic of late 18th-century fashion. The sleeves are short and puffed, gathered at the wrist with what appears to be a ribbon. Her hands are clasped delicately in front of her, further emphasizing an air of refinement and composure. A wide-brimmed hat adorned with feathers sits atop her head, partially obscuring her hair. The artist rendered the hair as voluminous curls cascading down her shoulders.
The drawing’s color palette is restrained; pink dominates the dress while darker tones define the hair and shadows. This limited range contributes to a sense of elegance and understated luxury. The lines are crisp and precise, suggesting an emphasis on capturing the details of the garment rather than exploring expressive brushwork or nuanced shading.
Subtly, the posture and expression convey a certain dignity and self-possession. There is no overt display of emotion; instead, a quiet confidence emanates from her bearing. The careful arrangement of the hat and dress suggests an awareness of presentation and social standing. The artist placed considerable attention on the rendering of fabric textures – the delicate lace trim on the sleeves and bodice, the subtle folds in the gown’s skirt – indicating that the subjects attire was a significant element of her identity and status.
The presence of initials A.C. at the bottom right corner likely identifies the artist or engraver responsible for this work. The “Boil.” inscription near the left edge might refer to the publisher or workshop involved in its production.