The artwork, titled “Portrait of Ellen Sturgis Hooper,” was crafted by the renowned artist James McNeill Whistler in the year 1890. Measuring 51.12 cm by 30.8 cm, this piece is a fine representation of Impressionism, created using oil on board. It falls within the genre of portraiture, presenting a thoughtful study of its subject.
The artwork depicts a woman seated, her form softly rendered in the muted tones characteristic of Impressionist technique. The color palette is subdued, dominated by earthy browns and subtle variations of white and gray, which lend an ethereal quality to her attire and the surrounding environment. The woman’s gaze is directed towards the viewer, her expression contemplative, adding a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The brushwork is loose and fluid, conveying a sense of spontaneity and capturing the fleeting nuances of light and shadow. The overall composition is harmonious, with the delicate interplay of light accentuating the serene and introspective mood of the portrait.