Of Alsatian origin, Schuffenecker trained first with Paul Baudry (1828-1886) and later, in evening courses, with Carolus-Duran (1837-1917) and at the Swiss Academy in Paris. In 1872, through the stockbroker Bertin, he meets Gauguin, with whom he befriends. He was responsible for the historic meeting between Bernard and Gauguin in July 1886 in Pont-Aven, as well as the organization of the first exhibition of the Pont-Aven group at the Volpini café in Paris, in 1889.

This painting represents the wife of the writer Félicien Champsaur, a late 19th century novelist. The portrait exudes a precious atmosphere, Madame Champsaur wears an elegant city dress, embellished with Breton-inspired embroidery. The reference to Rodin's Succubus evokes the female demon whose main attribute is the power of seduction.

© Procolor - Laurent Bruneau