Oil on canvas representing a young woman in bed, or sleeping, the right breast uncovered.
Who can she be? The lover or the wife of the painter? Is she in a dream? The attitude is extremely sensual, and one thinks instantly of the painting by Gervex (later): “Rolla”, of 1878.
We are still here in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century. The feeling takes precedence over the reason. One seeks escape and delight in the dream, the sublime, exoticism, passion and melancholy. We are in full Romanticism.
It could be one of the 4 versions of Claude-Marie Dubufe (1790-1864) one of which, with the breast covered, is in the Fabre Museum in Montpellier, in the same dimensions.
Gilded frame, old restorations.
Very nice effect.
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