A Standing Young Lady Taking Off Her Gloves

Art Historical Context

Alfred Stevens' *A Standing Young Lady Taking Off Her Gloves* (1876 or after) an intimate moment of everyday elegance through delicate pen and brown ink over graphite. The Belgian artist, renowned for his sophisticated portrayals of modern women in Parisian settings, depicts a poised young lady in a poised, transitional pose—removing her gloves, a gesture evoking 19th-century fashion and. This drawing, measuring 13 ×9 5/8 inches, exemplifies Stevens' skill in rendering fabric textures and subtle movement on paper. Stevens, active in Paris alongside Impressionists like Degas and Manet, blended Realism with a refined, mondain aesthetic focused on contemporary life and couture. The graphite underdrawing provides fluid contours, while the brown ink adds warmth and precision to folds and contours, highlighting the era's emphasis on women's attire as symbols of social status. Such preparatory or standalone drawings were prized in the 19th century for their immediacy, bridging studio sketches and finished oils. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2014 through the Daniel Ergmann Gift, this work offers a window into Belle Époque sensibilities, celebrating the quiet grace of women's daily rituals amid rapid social change. A testament to Stevens' draftsmanship, it invites visitors to appreciate the artistry in fleeting, fashionable moments.