Dolce far niente

Although undated the artist’s address on the reverse, 44 Piccadilly, indicates it was painted between 1876 and 1878 when interest in 'Aestheticism' reached its peak. The idea of `the house beautiful’ is encapsulated in this interior which has all the hallmarks of aestheticism including the Japanese silk hanging, ebonised furniture and blue and white china. This could possibly be Barrable's exhibit at the Royal Academy of 1877 (no.947) entitled The Coquette. The model’s voluptuous pink and white gown, peacock feather fan in hand and languorous pose give it an air of luxuriant ease.