Parisienne au rond-point des Champs-Élysées

Jean Béraud's painting, "Parisienne au rond-point des Champs-Élysées," delightfully captures the essence of Parisian life in the late 19th century with its vivid portrayal of an elegantly dressed woman during a leisurely stroll. The central figure, clad in a striking red dress and hat adorned with flowers, garnishes the canvas with a splendor that matches the vibrant backdrop of the Champs-Élysées.In this painting, the woman is depicted walking her small dog near a bustling roundabout, against the animated splash of a large fountain. This fountain, with its energetic water jets, forms a dramatic centerpiece, juxtaposed beautifully with the autumn-tinted trees and an impressionistic hint of passing carriages and pedestrians in the background.Béraud, renowned for his keen ability to depict everyday Parisian scenes, uses light and color to convey the atmosphere of the city during this era. The diffuse light suggests it is either early morning or late afternoon, a time when the city's pace is both lively and relaxed. The artist’s brushwork invites the viewer to feel the cool freshness from the fountain and hear the muted sounds of city life, imbuing the scene with a sense of immediacy and immersion.This painting not only serves as an artistic capture of Paris at the time but also reflects the social nuances and the fashionably leisure lifestyle of its inhabitants, particularly the Parisian elite.