Elegant Woman With A Fan, Gérald Laffitte (19th–20th Century)

Gérald Laffitte (19th–20th century)
Elegant Lady with a Fan

Watercolor on paper,
28 x 22 cm

Provenance:
Private collection

Little is known about the life and career of Gérald Laffitte, an artist active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work reveals an affinity for delicate and intimate scenes, often portraying elegantly dressed women in refined settings. Although rarely mentioned in major art historical references, Laffitte’s talent as a watercolorist places him among the many skilled yet lesser-known artists of his time who captured the aesthetics and social nuances of the Belle Époque.

This particular work, Elegant Lady with a Fan, perfectly illustrates Laffitte’s meticulous approach and his ability to render texture and light with great subtlety. The composition shows a seated young woman, dressed in a lace-trimmed gown, holding a fan and what appear to be a few sheets of paper. Her posture is both poised and relaxed, conveying a sense of quiet introspection.

Laffitte’s mastery of watercolor is evident in his delicate use of color and shading. The beige and cream tones harmonize beautifully with the soft brown background, while the vivid red stockings and floral embellishments on her dress provide a striking visual contrast. The transparency and fluidity of the watercolor medium enhance the ethereal quality of the subject, lending the scene an air of fleeting elegance.

The composition and style are reminiscent of works by Jean Béraud and James Tissot, both renowned for their portrayals of bourgeois sophistication during the Belle Époque. Laffitte’s attention to detail in the lace, the delicate gloves, and the ornate hat demonstrates his keen eye for fashion and period-specific elements, making this piece not only a work of art but also a valuable visual record of the era’s aesthetic.

Through this refined and carefully crafted watercolor, Gérald Laffitte showcases his talent for capturing grace and elegance, making this work a charming testament to the artistry of a lesser-known yet gifted painter of his time.