Lady wearing a lace veil and holding a fan

Lady wearing a lace veil and holding a fan

Frank Nowlan

1860

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a woman standing near a window, dressed in a white lace veil and a dark dress with red trim. She holds a fan in one hand and rests the other on her chest. The background is dark and blurry, with a hint of red curtains and a chair. The brushstrokes are loose, almost sketchy, which makes the scene feel quick and alive. This style was common in the late 1800s when artists wanted to capture light and movement. Look up Impressionism next to see how this painting fits into that movement.

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