The artwork “Beatrice Townsend,” created by John Singer Sargent circa 1882, is an oil painting on canvas that embodies elements of the Realism movement. The portrait, which measures 81.9 x 58.4 cm, is currently held in a private collection.
This distinguished portrait features a young girl named Beatrice Townsend. She is depicted wearing a dark-colored dress with a white collar and a red sash around her waist. Her straight, dark hair frames her face, and she gazes directly at the viewer with a calm, poised expression. A small dog, possibly a terrier, is cradled in her right arm, contributing a tender aspect to the composition. The girl’s attire is further accented by a double-strand red necklace, which stands out against the muted hues of her dress and the dark background. The naturalism and attention to subtle tonal variations in the artwork reflect Sargent’s masterful application of realist techniques, capturing both personality and presence in a refined yet intimate manner.
