Cecily Ursula, aged three years
1882
oil
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
1882
oil
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
The painting depicts a young girl, likely three years old, standing in front of a wall. She is dressed in a dark-colored dress with short sleeves and a white collar, paired with white stockings and brown shoes. Her blonde hair is tied back with a ribbon, and she holds a hat above her head with her right hand. The girl's attire and the setting suggest a formal portrait. The wall behind her features a window with a floral patterned curtain, and a small table or bench is partially visible to her left. A few toys, including a wooden horse, are scattered on the floor. The painting's style and attention to detail invite further exploration. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up the art of chiaroscuro.