Jacques Martin (1844–1919), Young Woman from Arles

This work belongs to the tradition of female portraiture, a genre that Martin explored on several occasions throughout his career, alongside his renowned still lifes and floral compositions.

The painting depicts a young woman in profile, dressed in an elegant, pastel-toned gown with a low neckline and adorned with a golden necklace. Her dark hair is pinned up and embellished with a ribbon or golden ornament—details that mark her as belonging to the Arlesian culture, known for its traditional headwear and accessories. The background is rendered with broad, lively, and cloud-like brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and white, which enhance the figure’s silhouette while creating a luminous and airy atmosphere.

A self-taught artist encouraged by François Vernay and admired by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, Jacques Martin is recognized for his joyful and direct use of color, as well as his pursuit of light. In Young Woman from Arles, he plays with the freshness of the tones and the warmth of the light, which envelops the figure in a subtle golden halo. The modeling of the bust and the fluidity of the drapery reflect his taste for volume and depth—qualities often praised by critics of his time.

The background, with its loose and vibrant brushstrokes, recalls the influence of Impressionism and the Lyonnais colorists. This approach gives the portrait a certain modernity while retaining a strong classical elegance. The young woman’s pose, both dignified and natural, conveys feminine delicacy and grace—recurring themes in the artist’s work.