The artwork titled “Hairpins” is a creation of the artist Albert Joseph Moore, associated with the Academicism movement. It is a portrait and measures 44.1 by 29.2 centimeters. This piece belongs to a private collection and showcases Moore’s precise technical skill and his predilection for aesthetic composition.
In the artwork, a serene and contemplative woman is depicted seated against an intricately patterned background. She is elegantly dressed in flowing drapery: a classical white robe complemented by a striking yellow garment that drapes across her lap and spills onto the floor. Her posture is relaxed and introspective, her hand gently supporting her head, suggesting a moment of quietude or deliberation.
The setting includes decorative elements characteristic of Moore’s work, such as the delicately patterned fan, a vase with brightly colored yellow flowers, and an ornate carpet—all rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The patterns and textures within the composition create a harmonious blend owing to the artist’s skilful use of color and light. The artwork embodies the Academic art tradition of idealizing both form and beauty, with a strong emphasis on neoclassical elements that echo the artist’s fascination with the aesthetics of antiquity.
