Ms. Peyrat’s bold brushwork and use of vibrant color evoke the dynamism and romanticism of Delacroix. Her classical compositions, often anchored in idyllic landscapes, seem to reference allegorical paintings of the 17th and 18th century. Yet closer inspection reveals a contemporary twist: a yo-yo, boxing gloves, a soccer jersey; possibly personal metaphors to describe contemporary life.

Ms. Peyrat’s most recent work, which will be included in the exhibition, is a series of intense individual portraits on dark velvety backgrounds. In these images, her subjects project great emotion, their deep set eyes looking longingly beyond the viewer. This body of work brings to mind the moodiness and mystery of Rembrandt’s famous self-portraits, and the dynamic frontal illumination of Manet’s late work.