The Marriage Presents
1774
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1774
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a woman with light skin and a soft smile, dressed in a pale pink dress with lace trim. Her hair is styled high with ribbons, and she holds a small birdcage with a bird inside. The background is dark, with a blue curtain and gold-leaf decorations framing the image. The ornate border looks like it’s made of gold and delicate leaves, adding a fancy touch. The artist mixed pastels with ink and watercolor to create smooth colors and sharp details. Next, look up Baroque to see how this style’s drama and detail compare to other works.