ALBERT BARTHOLOMÉ, THE ARTIST’S WIFE READING (1883)

Over the 19th century, reading for pleasure became part of everyday life. This reader is the artist’s wife, Périe Bartholomé, who was also the daughter of Marquis de Fleury, a French nobleman who fought in the American revolutionary war. Périe, who was noted for her sophistication, attractiveness and being extremely well read, hosted evenings with sparkling discussion of books, music and art that delighted intellectuals and bohemians alike. She also suffered with fragile health and sadly died four years after this painting was created. » © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund, and Thames & Hudson