Joanna de Silva by William Wood
This is Joanna de Silva, painted by William Wood in 1796. While the portrait presents a composed woman, a hidden detail reveals a story of remembrance. The painting is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Look at her white draped shawl and layered beaded necklaces, suggesting refinement. Her gaze is direct yet serene. The focus, however, lands on her right hand, resting gently on her lap.
The true story is in the ring she wears. This is a mourning ring, a late 18th-century keepsake, often containing a lock of hair from a deceased loved one. It transforms the portrait from a simple depiction to a memorial.
What do these personal tokens tell us about the sitter's inner life?
Details
Transcript
This is Joanna de Silva. Or so the inscription says. She looks composed in her white dress and shawl. Her necklaces and earring suggest wealth. But look closer at her right hand. The ring on her finger is quite unusual. It is a mourning ring, with hair inside. William Wood painted this in 1796.