Artwork
An Elegant Lady of the Eighteenth Century Holding a Fan
An Elegant Lady of the Eighteenth Century Holding a Fan is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Carl Larsson. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist used charcoal on light brown paper to create this work, which is a mix of Impressionism and Realism.
The painting is called An Elegant Lady of the Eighteenth Century Holding a Fan.
It was made by Carl Larsson in 1897.
The artist used charcoal on light brown paper to create this work, which is a mix of Impressionism and Realism.
This combination of styles is interesting because it shows the artist's ability to blend different techniques.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the movement: Realism.
Overview
Carl Larsson’s 1897 drawing titled *An Elegant Lady of the Eighteenth Century Holding a Fan* presents a solitary figure rendered in charcoal on light‑brown paper that has been mounted on board. The work belongs to Larsson’s extensive output of drawings and reflects his interest in historic costume and genteel portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a woman dressed in eighteenth‑century attire, her hand poised with a delicate fan. By choosing a period costume, Larsson evokes a nostalgic vision of aristocratic refinement, inviting viewers to contemplate notions of elegance and social ritual from a bygone era.
Technique & Style
Executed entirely in charcoal, the drawing balances delicate tonal gradations with confident, gestural strokes. The handling merges the observational precision associated with Realism and the softer atmospheric qualities linked to Impressionist drawing, demonstrating Larsson’s facility with varied visual languages.
History & Provenance
Created during the later phase of Larsson’s career, the piece aligns with his broader practice of working across media—including watercolors, oils, frescoes, and drawings—while remaining rooted in the Arts and Crafts aesthetic that informed much of his Swedish output.
Context
Although best known for domestic watercolors, Larsson’s foray into historic portraiture reflects the period’s fascination with antiquarian subjects. The drawing’s materiality—charcoal on toned paper—was a common choice for artists seeking a warm, muted surface that supports subtle modeling of form.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carl Olof Larsson (Swedish pronunciation: ; 28 May 1853 – 22 January 1919) was a Swedish painter representative of the Arts and Crafts movement.
