Object Image

A Moorish Girl with a Parakeet

Sophie de Saux who worked under the pseudonym Henriette Browne (1829-1901)

Sophie came from a privileged background as her father was a Count. Sophie’s mother was widowed at a young age and insisted Sophie pursued an arts education in case she needed to be economically independent. In 1851, Sophie attended Charles Chaplin’s class for female artists. Here she studied from live models, gaining knowledge of body proportions and movements. Sophie adopted the pseudonym Henriette Browne and, in 1853, submitted her first work to the Paris Salon. It was not deemed appropriate for a lady to also be a professional artist.

Sophie travelled to Constantinople, Morocco, Egypt and Syria. On a trip to Con...

1875
Oil on Canvas
148.0 x 92.0cm
BORGM 00374
Image and text © Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, 2021

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