Elegant in pink dress, Frédéric SOULACROIX (1858 - 1933)

FRÉDÉRIC SOULACROIX
1858 - 1933
Elegant Woman in a Pink Dress
Oil on canvas signed lower right
Size : 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 Regence period dress, complete with 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, detailed style, highlighting the elegance and luxury of European high society. In this painting, his ability to render shimmering fabrics and intricate ornamentation is remarkable, testifying to impeccable technical mastery. His subtle use of light and soft colors creates a peaceful, timeless atmosphere, where every detail contributes to the harmony of the composition. Soulacroix skillfully fuses realism and idealization, capturing not only the outward beauty of his subjects, but also an emotional depth that transcends the era represented.

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 de 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 neo-classical movement and began exhibiting at the Salon des artistes français in 1883. His early works focused on genre scenes and portraits, already demonstrating his technical mastery and sensitivity for depicting detail and emotion.

In 1899, Frédéric Soulacroix settled permanently in Rome, where he found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in the Italian Renaissance style and the city's daily life. He became famous for his paintings of historical scenes, including luxurious depictions of ladies in sumptuous gowns and scenes of 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 depicting shimmering fabrics and intricate ornamentation, capturing the elegance and luxury of European high society.

Throughout his career, Frédéric Soulacroix received numerous awards, and his work was exhibited in salons and galleries throughout Europe. He enjoyed great popularity with 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 continues to influence contemporary painters.

Today, Frédéric Soulacroix's works are held in museums and private collections around the world, underlining his lasting impact on the art of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Private collection, France