Open Your Mouth and Shut Your Eyes

Open Your Mouth and Shut Your Eyes

William Mulready

1838

oil

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

You see a young girl sitting at a table, looking hesitant. She's about to take a bite of something, but her eyes are closed. The scene is intimate and quiet. The girl's face shows a mix of fear and curiosity. This painting is interesting because it shows a moment of uncertainty. The title comes from an old nursery saying, which adds a layer of meaning. Check out the technique of glazing.

More by William Mulready

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