Portrait of a Woman
1862
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1862
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows a woman in a dark dress with a high collar. Her arms are crossed, and she sits with a plain background. The artist used soft colors—mostly grays and muted tones—with just a touch of pink on her cheeks. Notice how the light hits her face, making it stand out against the shadows. The clothing looks simple but well-worn, suggesting everyday life rather than wealth. Want to learn more about how artists use light and shadow? Look up chiaroscuro.
