Artwork
Hairdresser
Hairdresser is an unspecified painting by Marguerite Putsage. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1917 by Belgian painter Marguerite Émilie Julie Putsage, *Hairdresser* is a modestly sized genre painting that captures a domestic moment. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where it is displayed among the museum’s early‑20th‑century holdings.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows two women engaged in a personal grooming ritual. The foreground figure lifts her hands toward her own head, suggesting she is adjusting her hair, while a second woman, dressed in darker attire with a crisp white collar, assists by touching the first’s scalp. The quiet interaction emphasizes intimacy and everyday care.
Technique & Style
Putsage employs a restrained palette of muted tones, allowing the figures to emerge from a softened background without distraction. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, rendering the fabrics and skin with subtle modeling. The focus on a single, unembellished moment reflects the artist’s interest in realistic observation rather than decorative excess.
History & Provenance
After its execution around the First World War, the painting entered the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it has remained. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Belgian artists of the early twentieth century, particularly those known for portraiture and still‑life subjects, such as Putsage.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marguerite Émilie Julie Putsage (1868–1946) was a Belgian artist, particularly known for her portraits and flower paintings.
