Watts George Choosing George Frederick Watts (1817-1904)

The composition centers on a young woman immersed in a profusion of roses. She is positioned close to the viewer, filling much of the frame and creating a sense of intimacy. Her gaze is directed downwards, her eyes closed as she leans in to inhale the fragrance of a rose held near her face. The posture suggests a moment of profound sensory experience, an absorption into the present that transcends immediate surroundings.
The artist’s handling of light contributes significantly to the paintings mood. A warm, diffused glow illuminates the woman’s face and hair, highlighting the delicate texture of her skin and the rich tones of her auburn locks. This illumination contrasts with the darker background formed by a dense thicket of roses, which recedes into shadow, creating depth and emphasizing the figure as the focal point. The roses themselves are rendered in vibrant reds and deep greens, their petals appearing almost tangible due to the artist’s attention to detail.
The womans attire is simple yet elegant: a dark garment with a high collar adorned with pearls. This understated dress draws further focus to her face and the gesture of smelling the rose. The pearls suggest a certain refinement or social standing, but their presence does not detract from the overall impression of naturalness and innocence conveyed by the figure.
Subtleties within the painting hint at deeper meanings. The act of inhaling a flowers scent is often associated with memory, nostalgia, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The closed eyes suggest an inward journey, a retreat into personal reflection or perhaps a connection to something beyond the visible world. The abundance of roses can be interpreted as symbols of love, passion, and even fleeting joy – all themes frequently explored in art concerning human experience.
The painting evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and invites viewers to consider the power of sensory experiences and their ability to transport us to moments of profound beauty and introspection.