The artwork titled “Mrs. Henry Phipps and Her Grandson Winston” was painted by John Singer Sargent in 1907. This oil on canvas piece, measuring 149.9 x 99.1 cm, is a portrait rendered in the Realism art movement. The artwork resides in a private collection.
In this dignified portrait, an elderly woman, Mrs. Henry Phipps, is depicted seated, with her young grandson, Winston, on her lap. The background is notably dark, providing a stark contrast that emphasizes the figures in the foreground. Mrs. Phipps is attired in a voluminous dark garment with detailed textures and folds, indicating her status and elegance. Her expression is calm and serene, exuding a sense of matronly grace. Young Winston is dressed in a delicate white outfit, complete with a bonnet, adding a softness to the composition and symbolizing innocence and purity. Sargent’s masterful brushwork captures the intricate details of the fabrics and the tender, intimate bond between the grandmother and her grandson, reflecting his prowess in portraying human emotion and the subtleties of light and shadow.
