Eugène Delacroix – Study of a nude woman, sleeping on a divan, called ’The Woman of White Stockings’ Part 5 Louvre

This impressionistic oil painting by Eugène Delacroix depicts a nude woman reclining on a divan, her head resting on her arms, which are clasped behind her head. Her body is a pale, creamy tone, transitioning into the rich, dark crimson drapery that surrounds her and the stark white of the divans bedding. She wears long, white stockings that extend up to her knees or thighs, which is a striking contrast to her otherwise bare form and the title of the painting. A delicate pearl necklace adorns her neck, and a subtle floral headdress rests on her blonde hair.
The subtext of this painting is multifaceted. The title, The Woman of White Stockings, draws attention to a detail that is both intimate and suggestive, hinting at a sensuality that is both present and veiled. The pose of the woman, languid and seemingly asleep or lost in thought, evokes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The opulent setting with rich fabrics suggests a private, perhaps even forbidden, space. Delacroix uses light and shadow dramatically, with the womans form illuminated against a darker background, emphasizing her presence and her allure while also obscuring her fully, leaving room for interpretation. The overall mood is one of quiet sensuality and perhaps a touch of melancholy or introspection.