The artwork titled “Maria, from Sterne, a Companion to the Picture of Edwin,” created by artist Joseph Wright in 1781, is an exquisite oil painting on canvas. The piece embodies the artistic trends of Neoclassicism and Romanticism and is classified as an illustration. This notable work measures 160 by 115.6 centimeters.
The artwork features a young woman, Maria, portrayed in a moment of introspection and melancholy. She sits in a natural setting, surrounded by trees with leaves tinged with autumnal hues. The skies behind her are softly lit, suggesting either dawn or dusk, which adds a contemplative atmosphere to the composition. A small dog lies at her feet, looking up at her with an expression that adds to the tender and poignant mood of the scene. Maria’s attire, a simple yet elegant dress, combined with her thoughtful pose, encapsulates the era’s aesthetic tendencies towards expressing emotion and the sublime beauty of nature.
