The artwork, titled “Vernon Lee,” was created by John Singer Sargent in 1881. It is an oil painting on canvas, executed in the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the portrait are 53.7 by 43.2 centimeters, and it is housed in Tate Britain, London, UK.
The painting portrays an individual with a contemplative expression, gazing slightly to the left. Rendered with Sargent’s characteristic loose brushwork, the subject is depicted wearing glasses, with hair softly falling across the forehead. The background is a mix of dark shades and a lighter, muted wall, which contrasts with the subject’s illuminated face, drawing attention to their features. The artist’s signature and a dedication are subtly inscribed at the top right corner of the canvas. The overall effect is one of intimacy and immediacy, capturing the personality and presence of the sitter.
