La Sagesse (1940-1941). Tamara de Lempicka (Polish, 1898-1980). Oil on panel.

La Sagesse, or “Wisdom,” takes its inspiration from the Old Masters, all the while exuding Lempicka’s signature style. The layout and type of figure in this painting bring to mind work by the Flemish painter Quentin Metsys. Lempicka’s ability to seamlessly blend a brashly contemporary look with historical models marked her distinctive style from the outset of her career.