The artwork titled “Study of Polly Barnard for ‘Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose'” is an oil on canvas piece created circa 1885 by the artist John Singer Sargent. Belonging to the Impressionism art movement, this sketch and study artwork measures 49.53 x 39.37 cm. The piece is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, a young girl is depicted from behind, her head turned slightly downward, suggesting an absorbed or contemplative mood. Her hair is rendered in rich brown tones, and she is dressed in a loose-fitting, light garment that appears soft and ethereal against the darker, more abstract background. The brush strokes are fluid and expressive, characteristic of Sargent’s style and the Impressionist movement, capturing the nuances of light and texture with a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The use of color is both subtle and vibrant, with delicate whites and warm pinks standing out against the dark, shadowy greens and browns of the backdrop. This work exemplifies a moment of quiet grace and introspection, highlighting Sargent’s masterful ability to convey depth and emotion through his painterly technique.
