Red stocking Anders Zorn (1860-1920)

This painting, titled Red Stocking, by Zorn (1914), depicts a candid moment of two women in an intimate setting, likely a dressing room or boudoir.
In the foreground, a woman is seated, partially undressed, with her upper body bare and a light-colored slip casually draped around her. She is looking directly at the viewer, her expression somewhat direct and perhaps a bit weary. She wears vibrant red stockings and shoes, which create a striking contrast against her pale skin and the muted tones of her clothing and the background. Her left hand rests on the fabric of her slip, almost as if she is about to adjust it or has just let it fall.
In the background, another woman is visible, also partially undressed, with her back to the viewer. She appears to be engaged in some activity, possibly dressing or attending to her hair. She wears a red band around her hair, a subtle echo of the foreground figures stockings. The background is dimly lit, with curtains and furniture suggested rather than precisely rendered, contributing to a sense of privacy and domesticity.
The subtext of the painting can be interpreted in several ways. The direct gaze of the foreground woman invites the viewer into a private space, challenging the traditional passive portrayal of women in art. The title, Red Stocking, draws attention to a specific, sensual detail of her attire, perhaps symbolizing passion, boldness, or even a hint of vulnerability. The presence of two women together suggests a sense of camaraderie or shared intimacy, while the partial undress and the intimate setting speak to themes of female companionship, personal space, and the everyday rituals of private life, all rendered with Zorns characteristic painterly style and masterful use of light.