p rarmstrong 014 Rolf Armstrong

The composition presents a close-up portrait of a woman, dominating the visual field. The artist has chosen to depict her from the chest upwards, focusing intently on her face and the elaborate headwear she wears. Her gaze is directed straight towards the viewer, creating an immediate sense of engagement. A broad, somewhat enigmatic smile stretches across her lips, suggesting both confidence and perhaps a touch of playful challenge.
The color palette is striking. Deep reds and purples form a dramatic backdrop that contrasts sharply with the woman’s pale complexion and the white fur trim adorning her garment. The red hat itself is rendered in varying shades, creating depth and texture. This bold use of color contributes to an overall feeling of theatricality and heightened emotion.
The headwear – a large, tilted cap – is a significant element. It obscures part of her forehead and casts shadows across her face, adding to the air of mystery surrounding her persona. The hat’s design appears somewhat unconventional, hinting at a modern or perhaps even slightly rebellious style.
Subtleties in the rendering suggest an attempt at realism, particularly in the depiction of skin texture and the subtle highlights on her eyes. However, the overall effect is stylized rather than strictly representational. The exaggerated smile and dramatic lighting contribute to a sense of artificiality, characteristic of promotional materials from the early twentieth century.
The text WILL YOU positioned prominently at the top reinforces this impression of deliberate construction. It functions as an invitation or a question posed directly to the audience, likely intended to entice them towards the musical piece associated with the image. The inclusion of names below – words by A. Donnelly and music by F. Mayo – further establishes its function as sheet music cover art.
The overall impression is one of carefully constructed allure, designed to capture attention and evoke a sense of glamour and intrigue within the context of popular entertainment.