Flora de Stephano (Primary Title)
Robert Frederick Blum, American, 1857 - 1903 (Artist)
Heavy strokes of yellow and green merge into an opaque chartreuse background for this bust-length portrait of Flora de Stephano. Against this surface, flesh tones of pink and beige, shadowed beneath the cheek and neck, add warmth to the sitter’s face, chest, and arm. The dark hair, highlighted by variations in blue and gray, anchors the image, while fleeting strokes of yellow dashed with flickers of orange suggest lightness—the spontaneous application of ornament on a sheer and fashionable dress. The combination speaks to pastel’s versatility as a medium and Blum’s talents as a master composer. As Oscar Wilde remarked: “Blum, your exquisite pastels give me the sensation of eating yellow satin.”
at right: "Blum '85"
James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
