Alfred Stevens | In the Studio, 1888

The beautiful sitters, art along the walls, open portfolio, and prominent mirror symbolize the artistic practice of Stevens, who was celebrated for his portrayals of chic and charming women.

On the easel is his painting of the biblical temptress Salomé (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, Brussels).

The female protagonists of In the Studio pose a counterpoint to the male-dominated French art world, which presented many barriers to women artists, and particularly those undertaking ambitious figural subjects.

Stevens encouraged the careers of a number of women pupils and colleagues, most notably the sculptor and actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923).| © The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti | Joan of Arc, 1882

Joan of Arc is the last painting upon which Rossetti worked, being finished within a few days of his death on 9 April 1882.

"Joan of Arc" is currently on display at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England.

Rossetti was working on this painting while staying at a friend’s house at Birchington-on-Sea in an attempt to combat his declining health.

He passed away just a few days after completing it at just 53 years old.

It was found simply sitting on his easel.

This piece is based on a watercolor that he made almost twenty years prior.

Rossetti used Jane Morris, the artist, William Morris‘s wife, as his model for this piece.

This word had Merlin said from of old:-

That out of the Oak Tree Shade,

In the day of France's direst dule,

God's hand should send a Maid.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti | Book arts

Literature was integrated into the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's artistic practice from the beginning (including that of Rossetti), with many paintings making direct literary references.

For example, John Everett Millais' early work, Isabella (1849), depicts an episode from John Keats' Isabella, or, the Pot of Basil (1818).

Rossetti was particularly critical of the gaudy ornamentation of Victorian gift books and sought to refine bindings and illustrations to align with the principles of the Aesthetic Movement.

Rossetti's key bindings were designed between 1861 and 1871.

When I See You | Poem by Pablo Picasso

I have always walked forth, not wanting anything more than what I had already had. I did not need anything at all. I had scoffed at everyone when they said that my life was incomplete.

That was till I had met you. You were the only one who had ever raised the felling of loneliness in me. you were the only one who ever made me realize that my life was always incomplete; and had always been.

My Love Has Withered Away | Poem by Pablo Picasso

I have walked through starless nights not caring what the world cared for

Amidst sighs of desperation and exasperation, i 'ave walked; only for you

you were always like the fresh mist of dawn

Yet, like the honey of the bee.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti | Portraits

"Love, which is quickly kindled in the gentle heart, seized this man for the fair form that was taken from me, the manner still hurts me. Love which absolves no beloved one from loving, seized me so strongly with his charm that, as thou seest, it does not leave me yet!"

Dante Gabriel Rossetti (12 May 1828 - 9 April 1882) British poet, illustrator, painter and translator

Charles-Amable Lenoir | Academic painter

Charles-Amable Lenoir (1860-1926) was a French academic painter.

Like his mentor, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, he painted realistic portraits as well as mythological and religious scenes. His artistic career was so prestigious that he won the Prix de Rome twice and was awarded the Légion d'honneur.

Lenoir was born in Châtellaillon, a small town just outside La Rochelle. His mother was a seamstress and his father was a customs officer.

When he was young, his father was reassigned and the family moved to Fouras.