Mrs. Jens Wolff
1900
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1900
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
The painting depicts a woman sitting in a chair, wearing a white dress with a floral patterned shawl draped over her left shoulder. She has a book open on her lap and her right hand is raised to her forehead. The background is a warm, reddish-brown color. The woman's dress and shawl are rendered in smooth, flowing brushstrokes, while the book and chair are depicted with more texture and detail. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the woman is lost in thought. The painting is a beautiful example of Thomas Lawrence's skill with oil paint. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up Thomas Lawrence.
