Possible Portrait of Esther Johnson ('Stella')
1731
oil
canvas
From the collection of National Gallery of Ireland
About the artist
1731
oil
canvas
From the collection of National Gallery of Ireland
Possible Portrait of Esther Johnson ('Stella') is a 1731 oil by James Latham, a Rococo painting work, held at National Gallery of Ireland.
This painting features a woman in a white dress, her hair styled in loose curls. She is shown from the waist up, facing the viewer with a subtle, enigmatic expression. Her attire is characterized by a low neckline and long sleeves, with a hint of blue visible beneath the white fabric. The woman's gaze is direct yet soft, inviting the viewer to engage with her portrait. The background of the painting is a muted, earthy tone, which serves to emphasize the subject's presence. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the woman is lost in thought. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique further.
