Works of art with an elegant/refined aesthetic might incorporate elements such as a limited palette with medium saturation, exquisite control in all lines, marks, and indications of form, and, if the piece is representational, it might depict characters or scenes that are the epitome of style and poise, shown in settings adorned with only the finest things.

Artists might manifest an elegant/refined aesthetic in a piece because it suits their temperament and their own level of refinement, or the artist might choose this aesthetic as a reflection of the characters or settings being portrayed. An elegant/refined aesthetic might also be adopted to make a piece suitable for a setting that demands something considered to be high class.

Featured: Portrait of James-Alexandre de Pourtales-Gorgier by Paul Delaroche.