“Betty” is an oil on canvas painting by Gerhard Richter created in 1988, and it is part of the New European Painting movement. The painting measures 101.9 cm by 59.4 cm and is currently housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, MO, US.
This artwork features a portrait of a young girl, presumably Betty, depicted from behind as she turns her head to the side, away from the viewer. The painting is renowned for its photorealistic quality, a characteristic of Richter’s style. The subject’s hair is neatly arranged, and she is wearing a brightly patterned red and white jacket with a high collar, which stands out against the dark, ambiguous background. The composition pulls the viewer’s focus toward the texture and pattern of her garment, as well as the delicate rendering of her hair and the nape of her neck. The portrayal engages the viewer in a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting speculation about the subject’s thoughts or gaze direction. Richter’s work often blurs the line between photography and painting, playing with the idea of reality and representation in art.