Young Lady with a White Bow on Her Head

1795

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Young Lady with a White Bow on Her Head is a 1795 by John Downman, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: John Downman
When & what style?: 1795 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting shows a woman with light hair tied up in a loose bun. She’s wearing a white dress with a high lace collar and a black belt at the waist. Her face is turned slightly toward us, and she has a soft, calm expression. The artist used soft brushstrokes to blend her features, especially around her face. The background is plain and blurry, keeping all the focus on her. Next, check out sfumato to see how artists like this one create smooth transitions in their work.