George Henry R.A., R.S.A., R.S.W. (Scottish 1858-1943) Girl with Straw Hat

Signed and dated 1891, oil on canvas (Dimensions: 51cm x 46cm (20in x 18in))

(51cm x 46cm (20in x 18in))

Notes: Note: A painting entitled Girl with straw hat was exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy 1893, no.99 Note: A prominent member of the Glasgow Boys, George Henry is remembered for his stylistic form of portraiture. In the late 1880s, Henry was experimenting with decorative effects, moving towards a symbolist intensity of colour and pattern. This is shown in Girl in a Straw Bonnet by the use of very few, dramatic colours - notably the splashes of blue through the leaves. The use of sunlight, shade and heavy, uniform brushwork for the figure and foliage are a very distinctive characteristic. In contrast, the intricate brushwork on the bonnet, evoking straw, is an effective juxtaposition with the simplicity of the fresh, white broad brush of the muslin shawl. It is interesting to see Henry’s use of light and shade on the subject’s face. The onlooker is left questioning the facial features of the sitter. Girl in a Straw Bonnet is a rare and fine example of George Henry’s work painted at the height of his artistic career.