The artwork “Elizabeth Garrett Anderson” was created by John Singer Sargent in 1900. This oil on canvas portrait measures 83.8 by 66 centimeters and exemplifies the Realism art movement. It is a genre painting that has been held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a dignified portrayal of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, rendered with the masterful technique Sargent is known for. She is seated, facing slightly to the viewer’s left, and her gaze meets the viewer with confidence and poise. The brushstrokes capture the texture of her dark clothing and the subtle variations of light on her skin, highlighting her features with a warm luminance. The dark tones of her attire and the background serve to draw the viewer’s attention to her face, where a soft light gently models her visage. Sargent’s skillful use of light and shadow imbues the subject with a strong presence, emphasizing her character and the depth of her persona. The composition of the work, the lifelike representation of the sitter, and the overall impression of respectability and intellect reflect both the artist’s adept hand and the stature of the woman portrayed.
