The artwork titled “Mrs. William Playfair” is a portrait by John Singer Sargent created in 1887. It is rendered in oil on canvas and adheres to the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 153.7 x 99.1 cm.
In the artwork, the subject, Mrs. William Playfair, is depicted wearing an opulent gown embellished with intricate details. Her attire suggests a sense of elegance and sophistication, indicative of her social status. The artist has masterfully rendered her facial expression, capturing a poised and confident demeanor. She is holding a fan in her right hand while her left arm is draped elegantly by her side, partially covered by the dark cloak she has over her shoulders. The contrasting use of light and shadow enhances the dimensionality of the figure, emphasizing the realism that Sargent is acclaimed for. The backdrop is kept minimalistic, allowing full attention to be directed towards Mrs. Playfair and her exquisite attire. This composition exemplifies Sargent’s skillful portrayal of his subjects, highlighting both their personality and grandeur.