Aline Masson, the painter's model, contemplates the sealed envelope she holds in her right hand, which presumably arrived with the bouquet of flowers she holds in her left. The blue robe with cottony white edging gives the scene a homey feeling appropriate to the subject, but wisely used by the painter to bring out the young woman's fine, pale skin. This work is approached in the style of profound realism that characterizes the work of Raimundo Madrazo. It's best representation here is the bouquet of flowers, which would be a magnificent still life all by itself.
[Museo Nacional del Prado, Spain - Oil on canvas, 81 x 66 cm]