This evocative early 20th-century scene by French artist William Albert Ablett (1877-1937) depicts a lady sitting on a footstool while draped over a sofa. Her head is partially turned as she looks towards us.

Ablett was a master of ‘boudoir scenes’ and this is a good example of his work. Sensuous female forms, in various states of undress, twist and stretch in iconic 1920s interiors. These are private moments when the women are away from the expectations of high society. Sometimes dreaming while sprawled across a chaise longues or reading Vogue while waiting for friends.

Here, Ablett uses white accents to add interest and emphasise the light. The marks also create a sense of movement as if she’s turning.

Signed in the lower right and framed.

Learn more about William Albert Ablett in our directory.

Medium: Chalk on paper
Overall size: 20” x 27” / 51cm x 68cm
Year of creation: c. 1925
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Artist’s auction highlight: £6,183 achieved for an oil painting in 2000.