Arlesiennes dans le Cloître de Saint-Trophime (Women from Arles in the Cloisters of Saint Trophime)

Charles Nègre

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two women in full-length, dressed in period clothing. One woman is standing, leaning against a carved stone structure with her one arm holding up a portion of her long dark dress. Her other arm is bent, resting on her hips. She wears a white bonnet, white apron, and a scarf-like accessory around her shoulders. The other woman is seated, turned slightly to the side with her hands folded in her lap. She wears a dark dress, white apron, and a bonnet. The background consists of architectural elements that appear ancient or in a classical design, featuring columns and arches, with intricate carvings and textures on the stone. The scene is set in an exterior location, possibly an ancient ruin, with shadows suggesting an afternoon light.