Woman Wearing a Black Bonnet with a Pink and White Bow

Christiana Jane Herringham (1852-1929)

c.1900

Mixed media on paper, possibly including tempera

Royal Holloway, University of London

Presented to Bedford College by Sir Wilmot Herringham, before its amalgamation with Royal Holloway, and on display at the Christiana Herringham exhibition of 2019. [See commentary below]

Reproduced by courtesy of Royal Holloway. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]

According to the exhibition label, this is one of three portraits by Herringham of women in traditional European costumes, perhaps from the Savoy region of France. The label also says that this kind of subject was popular in Herringham's circle, mentioning Marianne Stokes as an example. Compare this with Stokes's Dutch Girl, for instance, from about the same time. As for the uncertainty about the materials used, the label suggests that "Herringham’s use of tiny, delicate, semi—transparent brushstrokes on the woman's face replicates the technique she employed in her tempera copies." The result at any rate is clear — an entirely natural, fresh-faced look. [Mouse over the text for links.] — Jacqueline Banerjee

Bibliography

Gallery label at the "Christiana Herringham: Artist, Campaigner, Collector" exhibition at Royal Holloway, University of London, 14 January – 8 March 2019.

Created 6 November 2019