GUISEPPE CRESPI – THE FLEA
The Flea by Guiseppe Crespi tells a story without revealing the main character. We only see the reaction to the flea, not the pest itself. This intimate portrait from 18th century Italy depicts virtue. That’s because the lady shown defines the “good woman” of the time period. Sun shines on her alabaster figure in the center. It’s a private time for her. What they used to call a “toilet moment”.
But this scene also seems onstage thanks to the painter’s lighting technique. We know she’s virtuous from his details. Symbols from the time period signal this – such as her hair accessory and flowers on the table. Her softness also reflects a gentle personality. She seems airbrushed or filtered with fuzzy edges, a visual signifier of sweetness even today.
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