Lydia Field Emmet
1896
oil
From the collection of Brooklyn Museum
1896
oil
From the collection of Brooklyn Museum
This painting is a portrait of a woman in a long, dark dress with lace details on the sleeves and a white shawl draped over her shoulders. The woman is standing with her body turned to the left, but her head is turned to face the viewer. Her hair is pulled back, and she has a serious expression on her face. The background of the painting is a solid, dark color that helps to focus attention on the woman. The overall effect of the painting is one of elegance and refinement, capturing the subject's poise and dignity. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.