Mary Hodge Johnson
1840
unspecified
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
1840
unspecified
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
This painting is a portrait of a woman, likely from the 19th century. She is dressed in dark attire with a white ruffled collar and a black bow at her neck. Her dark hair is styled in an updo, and she holds a small red book in her hands. The woman's facial expression is neutral, and her gaze is directed slightly to the left of the viewer. The background of the painting is a dark, muted color, which helps to focus attention on the subject. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the woman's face and hands. For more information on this technique, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.
