Gloved woman (circa 1901) by Giovanni BoldiniGallery of Modern Art "Empedocle Restivo"
The painting seems to be telling us "life happens here, in the now, and should be lived happily". The spirit of La Belle Époque.
The artist denies the conventional 'static' portrait, and instead tries to capture the fugacious moment of the model's poses and gestures.
The glove on the bottom right is not so distinguishable. You can perceive it more by intuition. The rapid, elongated brushstrokes transform it into rays of vanishing light.
Getting closer to the face, the heartbeat of the work, the style becomes well-defined. This glove is very detailed.
Boldini's portraits depict what was considered an iconic form of Beauty, rather than realistic depictions of his models.
The model's glance is sweet but also dynamic and proud. Boldini's muses are strong women determined to establish themselves in a sparkling period in which the first flashes of female emancipation start appearing.
Zoom in and explore Boldini's Gloved Woman for yourself.
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