Charity
1789
oil
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
1789
oil
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
This painting shows a woman holding a child in her arms, while another child clings to her dress. The woman is dressed in a flowing white gown, and her hair is styled in an updo. The children are both looking up at her with adoring expressions. The woman's face is serene, and her eyes are cast downward, as if lost in thought. The overall mood of the painting is one of tenderness and devotion. The use of chiaroscuro in this painting creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. If you're interested in learning more about this technique, look up chiaroscuro.
