1902
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Twelve Portraits (Second Series): H. M. Queen Alexandra is a 1902 by William Nicholson, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This black-and-white drawing shows a woman in a high, puffy hairstyle and a fancy dress with a ruffled collar. Behind her, a ship’s deck has ropes, a cannon, and a few sailors—one is holding a telescope. The background is dark, making her stand out. The artist used bold contrasts between light and shadow to shape her face and clothes. This style makes the drawing feel dramatic and simple at the same time. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark like this.
Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (5 February 1872 – 16 May 1949) was a British painter of still-life, landscape and portraits.
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