A Letter of Recommendation (1881). Charles Louis Baugniet (Belgian, 1814-1886). Oil on panel.
Great attention is paid to rendering the meticulous details of the interior from the porcelain cups and saucers to the fine fabrics of the elegant ladies’ dresses. A young woman is being considered for a potential position as a servant. Baugniet subtly juxtaposes the nonchalance and snobbish attitude of the ladies against the quiet demeanor of the girl who nervously awaits their decision.