The artwork, titled “Black and Red,” was created by James McNeill Whistler between the years 1883 and 1884. Rendered in watercolor on paper, this portrait, a product of the Realism movement, measures 15.9 by 22.8 centimeters.
In the artwork, a female figure is depicted seated against a dark, almost impenetrable background. Whistler’s use of watercolor imparts a softness to the portrait, with the colors blending gently to evoke a sense of quiet introspection. The woman’s dress, primarily in muted tones of red, contrasts subtly with the black shawl or fabric draped over her lap. She is in profile, gazing off into the distance, her delicate features softly illuminated, creating a stark contrast against the surrounding darkness. The painting’s composition and execution exemplify Whistler’s mastery in capturing mood and atmosphere through minimalistic yet evocative details.
