The artwork entitled “Essie, Ruby and Ferdinand, Children of Asher Wertheimer” was created by John Singer Sargent in the year 1902. This oil on canvas belongs to the Realism art movement and is genre-wise classified as a portrait. The dimensions of the artwork are 161.5 x 193.5 cm, and it is currently held at Tate Britain in London, UK.
The portrait captures three children, Essie, Ruby, and Ferdinand, positioned in a domestic setting. Essie’s gaze meets the viewer directly, clad in a white dress with red accents that contrast vividly with the darker background. Ruby reclines in a serene pose, her white dress melding subtly with the soft textures around her. Ferdinand is depicted seated, adopting a contemplative demeanor; his dark attire contrasts starkly with the softer hues of the cushions and the background. The use of color and light, hallmarks of Sargent’s style, skillfully illuminates the subjects, bestowing a lifelike presence. The arrangement of the figures and the luxurious textures of the fabrics evoke a sense of graceful elegance and quiet intimacy.
