Gustave De Jonghe was known for his detailed and elegant depictions of bourgeois domestic life, often focusing on the roles and activities of women within the home. His works, including "The Embroidery Lesson," are influenced by and share thematic similarities with those of his contemporaries, such as Alfred Stevens and Auguste Toulmouche, who also explored the quiet, refined moments of domestic life.

Gustave De Jonghe (1829–1893)

Gustave Léonard De Jonghe was born on February 4, 1829, in Kortrijk, Belgium. He was the son of the painter Jan Baptiste De Jonghe, known for his landscape paintings. Gustave was introduced to art at an early age, training under his father before attending the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. His early education provided him with a strong foundation in the academic and technical aspects of painting, which he would later refine in his career.

De Jonghe initially focused on historical and genre scenes but eventually became renowned for his elegant depictions of women in luxurious interiors. His works are characterized by meticulous detail, rich textures, and a refined portrayal of light and color. De Jonghe's paintings often depict the leisure and domestic life of the bourgeoisie, capturing the elegance and refinement of 19th-century society.

Moving to Paris, De Jonghe became a well-established figure in the art community, regularly exhibiting at the Paris Salon, where his works were met with acclaim. His art resonated with the tastes of the Parisian elite, ensuring his success and prominence in the art world.

De Jonghe shared a close professional relationship with Alfred Stevens, another Belgian painter who similarly focused on genre scenes of fashionable women. Both artists were part of the Parisian art scene, often exhibiting together at the Salon. Their works share similarities in subject matter and style, with a mutual focus on depicting the refined and elegant lifestyles of the upper class.

Also Jules Adolphe Goupil, a French painter and art dealer, played a significant role in De Jonghe's career. Goupil was part of the prominent Goupil family, known for their influence in the art market. As an artist, Goupil was known for his detailed and polished paintings, often depicting similar subjects to those of De Jonghe. The connection between De Jonghe and Goupil was not just artistic but also commercial, as Goupil's family business helped promote and distribute the works of artists like De Jonghe. This association with the Goupil name enhanced De Jonghe's reach and reputation across Europe.

Gustave De Jonghe's work remains to be celebrated for its technical precision and its depiction of 19th-century European society's elegance.