Artwork
The Artist's Wife (Périe, 1849–1887) Reading
The Artist's Wife (Périe, 1849–1887) Reading is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Albert Bartholomé. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Albert Bartholomé's painting, The Artist's Wife (Périe, 1849–1887) Reading, created in 1892, captures an intimate domestic scene.
Albert Bartholomé's painting, The Artist's Wife (Périe, 1849–1887) Reading, created in 1892, captures an intimate domestic scene. This work, characteristic of the Impressionist movement, portrays the artist's wife, Périe, engaged in a quiet moment of study. It is currently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing an early facet of Bartholomé's artistic career before his significant shift to sculpture.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Périe, the artist's wife, seated on a couch, intently focused on a large sheet of music. Her dark attire is softened by a patterned shawl, while a vase of vibrant yellow flowers on a nearby table introduces a lively splash of color. The surrounding environment, with a stack of books and warm, diffused lighting, conveys a sense of a comfortable, lived-in space, suggesting a personal and contemplative atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1892, this work aligns with the Impressionist approach through its depiction of light and atmosphere. The warm lighting permeates the interior, creating a soft, inviting ambiance. Bartholomé's brushwork likely captures the fleeting quality of the moment, emphasizing the interplay of color and light, particularly in the bright yellow flowers that punctuate the otherwise subdued palette of the domestic setting.
History & Provenance
Although known for this painting, Albert Bartholomé primarily established his lasting reputation as a sculptor. Following the creation of this portrait, he transitioned his focus, eventually achieving significant acclaim for his three-dimensional works. His sculptural achievements were notably recognized with the Grand Prize at the prestigious 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, solidifying his place in art history through a different medium.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Bartholomé was a French painter and sculptor. He was born on 29 August 1848 in Thiverval-Grignon, Yvelines, France, and died in 1928 in Paris. He won the Grand Prize for sculpture at the Exposition…
