Italian painter Juana Romani, born Giovanna Carolina Carlesimo, moved to Paris during her childhood and pursued a painting career in France.

Her painting is inspired by her mentors, Jean-Jacques Henner of the 'Atelier des Dames' and Ferdinand Roybet, although she began her training in a self-taught manner by posing as a model. In her paintings, she depicts strong and sensual female figures, drawing inspiration from literary, theatrical, and biblical references. The influence of the great Italian schools is evident in her choice of colors and the materiality of the fabrics she portrays in her paintings.

Romani made a name for herself during the turn of the 19th century, in a field where few women succeeded; however, after only 15 years, her career was cut short by the rapid deterioration of her mental health. At the height of her fame, her relationship with Roybet often overshadowed her genius as a painter, leading art critics to make statements that diminished her artistic talent.