Artwork
Young Woman with a Fan Seated at a Table
Young Woman with a Fan Seated at a Table is a print by the Romanticist artist Achille Devéria. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Young Woman with a Fan Seated at a Table is a print executed by French artist Achille Devéria in 1835. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It portrays a solitary female figure positioned at a table, rendered with a restrained palette and careful modeling that emphasizes her presence within a modest interior.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a young woman seated with her legs crossed, her hands holding a decorative fan. A floral‑patterned fabric rests on her lap, suggesting a moment of private leisure or contemplation. The attire—a dark, high‑necked dress and an elaborate coiffure—reflects contemporary fashion and conveys a sense of refined femininity without overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Devéria employs delicate gradations of tone to give volume to the figure’s face and garments, creating a subtle three‑dimensional effect. The background is rendered in minimal detail, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain on the sitter. The soft shading and emphasis on mood align the print with Romantic sensibilities that favored intimate, emotive subjects.
History & Provenance
Created in 1835, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific acquisition details are not recorded in the available sources). Its presence in a major American institution underscores the continued interest in Devéria’s work as an example of early nineteenth‑century French printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Achille Jacques-Jean-Marie Devéria (6 February 1800 – 23 December 1857) was a French painter and lithographer known for his portraits of famous writers and artists.
