Albayde Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889)

The painting Albayde depicts a young woman with dark hair, adorned with a red flower, reclining on a luxurious couch. She is dressed in a flowing white garment that drapes sensuously across her body, revealing a glimpse of her chest and shoulder. Her gaze is directed forward, with an enigmatic expression that suggests a mixture of melancholy and introspection. Her right hand gently holds a delicate vine with purple flowers, while her left hand rests idly beside her.
The background is a lush, dark garden, with trees and foliage creating a sense of privacy and exoticism. The couch itself is richly decorated with patterned textiles in deep reds and blues, further enhancing the sense of opulence and allure. The womans pose and attire, combined with the floral motif, evoke a feeling of languid beauty and perhaps a hidden sorrow or longing. The title Albayde, which translates to the white one in Spanish, likely refers to either her pale skin or her white garment, emphasizing her purity or ethereal quality.