"Elegant Woman In A Pink Dress, Frédéric Soulacroix (1858 - 1933)"
FRÉDÉRIC SOULACROIX 1858 - 1933 Elegant Woman in a Pink Dress Oil on canvas signed lower right Dimensions: 51 cm x 30 cm Dimensions with frame: 71 cm x 50 cm In this work by Frédéric Soulacroix, a woman is depicted in a pink Regency dress, complete with a feathered hat, moving through a lush forest. Her calm expression and elegant posture suggest harmony with the natural environment, capturing the artist's characteristic elegance and tranquility. Frédéric Soulacroix is distinguished by his refined and detailed style, highlighting the elegance and luxury of European high society. In this painting, his skill in rendering shimmering fabrics and intricate ornamentation is remarkable, demonstrating impeccable technical mastery. His subtle use of light and soft colors creates a peaceful and timeless atmosphere, where every detail contributes to the harmony of the composition. Soulacroix skillfully fused realism and idealization, capturing not only the outward beauty of his subjects, but also an emotional depth that transcended the era depicted. Frédéric Soulacroix was born on June 14, 1858, in Bordeaux, France. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in art and was encouraged by his family to pursue his artistic talents. He began his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux, where he developed his skills in painting and sculpture. In the late 1870s, Soulacroix moved to Paris, the artistic center of the time, to continue his artistic training. He was influenced by the neoclassical movement and began exhibiting at the Salon des Artistes Français beginning in 1883. His early works focused on genre scenes and portraits, already showing his technical mastery and sensitivity for the depiction of detail and emotion. In 1899, Frédéric Soulacroix settled permanently in Rome, where he found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in the style of the Italian Renaissance and the daily life of the city. He became famous for his paintings of historical scenes, particularly luxurious depictions of ladies in sumptuous gowns and scenes from aristocratic life. Soulacroix's style is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, a rich and vibrant color palette, and impeccable technique in the depiction of fabrics and textures. He particularly excelled in the depiction of shimmering fabrics and intricate ornamentation, capturing the elegance and luxury of European high society. Throughout his career, Frédéric Soulacroix received numerous accolades and his works were exhibited in salons and galleries throughout Europe. He enjoyed great popularity among collectors and art critics for his refined paintings and elegant compositions. He continued to paint until his death on May 19, 1933 in Rome, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy that still influences contemporary painters. The works of Frédéric Soulacroix are today held in several museums and private collections around the world, highlighting his lasting impact on 19th and early 20th century art. Private collection, France