Parisienne Study of Ellen Andree

Edouard Manet's painting, Parisienne Study of Ellen Andree, is an in-depth portrait through an impressionist style of work.

The piece was painted in 1874 in Paris, France, and is currently located in the museum of Stockholm, Sweden. The title, Parisienne Study of Ellen Andree, suggests that the woman is named Ellem Andree, however the exact details remain unknown. The piece illustrates a woman clothed in a black dress that is layered in shades of black. The dress flourishes out towards the bottom, however is tight around the waist illuminating the figure of the woman. The material of the dress seems to be sleek, while having a light sheen to it. The dress is fitted tightly around the chest, and extends towards the wrists of the woman where the material flares out. The material seems to be a black chiffon or silk textured gown, offering a luxurious appeal.

Around the neck of the dress, the dress extends up covering the caverns of the neck straight to the chin. Shades of a white fabric flow out the top of the dress, covering the neck and extending towards the back of the woman’s head. The woman wears a structured black hat paired with her outfit, flowing up to the right while offering ruffles for added drama. Down the woman’s neck seems to be a dark necklace, with a similar style to a cross. The woman’s hands are covered in light green-coloured gloves, with the only open skin being the woman’s face. The model’s hair carries shades of ginger, highlighting her oval shaped face. The woman’s narrow face is illuminated through her orange lips, and prominent eyebrows.

Alongside the woman’s green eyes accentuate her features in comparison to her black dress. The serious face the model holds suggests the emotion of power, as she stares off into the side of the painting. The black dress the woman is clothed in gives a gloomy feel to the piece, show casing the dark emotion accompanied by it. As the title suggests, the piece is Manet’s illustration of a Parisian woman clothed in dark colours. The classic Parisian style of noir silk, allure and depth is showcased through the piece, as a critical aspect that showcases how fashion transcends through generations within France. The woman seems to be holding a cane within her right hand, adding form to her right hand. The piece carries a noir emotion to it, illustrating Manet’s progression to impressionism even when painting a portrait. The allure of the painting illustrates the sophisticated allure of French woman that transcends through decades.