The beautiful sitters, art along the walls, open portfolio, and prominent mirror symbolize the artistic practice of Stevens, who was celebrated for his portrayals of chic and charming women. On the easel is his painting
of the biblical temptress Salomé (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, Brussels). The female protagonists of In the Studio pose a counterpoint to the male-dominated French art world, which presented many barriers
to women artists, and particularly those undertaking ambitious figural subjects. Stevens encouraged the careers of a number of women pupils and colleagues, most notably the sculptor and actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923).
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