Alfred Stevens (1823-1906)

Alfred Stevens (1823-1906) was a Belgian painter known for his contributions to the genre of genre and portrait painting during the 19th century. He was born on May 11, 1823, in Brussels, Belgium. Stevens initially studied law at the Free University of Brussels but later pursued his passion for art and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels.

Stevens gained recognition for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the elegance and beauty of his subjects. He was heavily influenced by the works of the Dutch Masters, particularly Vermeer, and often depicted scenes from everyday life, focusing on fashionable women, interiors, and landscapes.

In the 1850s, Stevens moved to Paris, where he became associated with the realist movement. He exhibited his works at the prestigious Paris Salon and received critical acclaim. His paintings often featured elegant women engaged in everyday activities, reflecting the changing roles of women in society during that time.

Stevens' works were characterized by their refined technique, careful composition, and subtle use of color and light. He was a master of capturing the textures of fabrics and the intricate details of interior spaces. Some of his most famous paintings include "The Parisian Sphinx," "The Visit," and "The Japanese Parisienne."

Although highly regarded during his lifetime, Stevens' popularity waned after his death in 1906. However, his works have since been rediscovered and appreciated for their technical skill and contribution to the genre of genre painting. Today, his paintings can be found in museums and private collections worldwide, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.