Stanislawa de Karlowska (Mrs. Robert Bevan) Harold Gilman (1876-1919)

The composition presents a woman in profile, seated and positioned slightly off-center within the frame. Her gaze is directed towards something beyond the viewers perspective, suggesting introspection or engagement with an unseen element of her surroundings. The artist has rendered her features with a degree of simplification; details are suggested rather than meticulously defined, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing a fleeting moment.
The woman’s hair is styled in an elaborate updo, hinting at a certain social standing or adherence to contemporary fashion trends. Her attire consists of a patterned dress featuring vertical stripes of red and white, accented by what appears to be a decorative scarf or shawl draped around her shoulders. The fabrics texture is conveyed through visible brushstrokes, adding depth and visual interest.
The background is dominated by a curtain composed of broad, vertically oriented strokes in shades of green, yellow, and touches of pink. This backdrop creates an atmosphere that feels both enclosed and suffused with light. The application of paint here is loose and expressive, eschewing precise rendering for a more atmospheric effect. A glimpse of furniture – likely a chair or table – is visible beneath the woman, further grounding her within the depicted space.
The color palette leans towards warm tones, particularly in the depiction of the woman’s skin and clothing, contrasted against the cooler greens of the background. This interplay of colors contributes to a sense of visual harmony while also highlighting the subjects presence.
Subtly, there is an air of quiet contemplation conveyed by the woman’s posture and expression. The lack of overt interaction with her environment suggests a moment of solitude or inward reflection. The artist seems less concerned with precise portraiture than with capturing a mood – a sense of stillness and perhaps a touch of melancholy – within a domestic setting. The loose brushwork and simplified forms contribute to this impression, creating an intimate and evocative portrayal.