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Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little by Childe Hassam

Childe Hassam · 1925-01-01

Childe Hassam's "Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little," painted in 1925, offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process before a final, formal portrait.

Here, the focus is intently on Mrs. Anna E. Little's profile, her dark hair, and the subtle, introspective expression in her eyes. The loose, expressive brushstrokes reveal the spontaneous nature of a preparatory work, prioritizing form and character over highly detailed realism.

This painting is held in the esteemed collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing valuable insight into Hassam's approach to portraiture. As an influential American Impressionist, Hassam was known for his urban and coastal scenes, but also for his significant contributions to American portraiture.

What do you imagine she might have been contemplating in this moment?

Details

The painter focused on her profile and dark hair.
The painter focused on her profile and dark hair.
The loose brushwork shows his process, before a final work.
The loose brushwork shows his process, before a final work.
She seems lost in thought, a moment captured in time.
She seems lost in thought, a moment captured in time.
The contrast with her hair and the background draws attention to her form and attire.
The contrast with her hair and the background draws attention to her form and attire.
Transcript

This is a study for a formal portrait. The painter focused on her profile and dark hair. He captures her quiet, introspective gaze. The loose brushwork shows his process, before a final work. She seems lost in thought, a moment captured in time.