RSA Scottish Art
Portrait of Mrs W J Thomson
 | Artist: William John Thomson |
| Title: Portrait of Mrs W J Thomson | |
| Year: c. 1820 | |
| Medium: pencil & watercolour | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: | |
| Source: RSA | |
| View full screen image of this work | |
| Open print version of this work | |
| Description: William John Thomson took many of his subjects from literature, either from classical sources or from the poetry of that time (around the early 1800s).This very delicate portrait of the artist's wife is painted in watercolour. It is probably unfinished as areas of her dress, chair and the foliage in the background are quite flat and have visible pencil lines. In contrast the fine treatment in the tonal work of her face and hair shows the delicacy of a miniaturist. Portraits of this kind also provide valuable details on the dress and furnishings of the period.This three-quarter length portrait offers a considered view of her face as well as describing her posture. If this was a portrait of her head and shoulders alone, we would have a more detailed view of her expression, but the way she has composed herself says a lot about her state of mind and her mood. So the choice of this pose framed by the curtain and with a view out of the window, offers a perspective on the figure which communicates in one way and which might differ if viewed from closer up or further away.The mood of this image could be difficult to read. The woman's expression is patient and calm, but also a little tense. Although she is seated with her arms gently folded, her posture is rather stiff. She leans forward in her chair rather than relaxing against the seat back. This portrait was painted before photography was invented in the 1830s. People were not used to seeing images of themselves as others saw them. Maybe she was a little concerned about what other people might think. People are sometimes critical of clothes and hairstyles because they were a sign of status. They still are today. The way a person is dressed and made-up can reflect their status in society. She could also be uncomfortable. Try sitting very still for even fifteen minutes – it is difficult not to feel the strain somewhere in your body! | |
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