Mrs. Anne Walbanke-Childers
1854
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1854
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This woman sits in a cozy room, dressed in a dark, flowing dress with a high neckline. Behind her, a window opens to a blue, leafy landscape. She holds a pink cloth in one hand and rests her arm on a small table with a vase of flowers. The brushstrokes are loose and quick, giving the painting a soft, sketchy feel. The artist used watercolor and light washes to create gentle shadows and glowing highlights. The background is barely there—just hints of trees and sky—so the focus stays on her. Want to see more? Check out Richmond, George.