The Appraisal

Guy Pène du Bois’s satiric paintings of society men and women were the outcome of his combined career as a painter, cartoonist, and art critic. His images present shrewd observations—some biting, others humorous—of upper class manners and fashionable styles. The Appraisal is a classic example of his renderings of the artifice and psychological strain of social encounters. In simplifying details and exaggerating others, du Bois focuses attention on the uncertain expression and sense of vulnerability of the statuesque young woman. The tuxedoed man, drink in hand, appears slightly bored and paused in conversation, as if awaiting the girl’s response. A later, alternate, title for the painting, The Appraisal/Interlude (Father and Daughter), and the physical tension suggested by the close but not interaction of the figures, creates an air of expectation and uncertainty.