Lady in White Dress with Blue Sash

William Wood, one of the most brilliant English miniature painters of the late 18th century, painted this portrait of a young lady which is now in the Tansey Collection. The sitter’s glance is directed into the distance, which makes her seem self-confident and independent. The blurred cloudy sky in the background suggests freedom of thought and removes the sitter from her earthly environment.¹ Wood’s notes, which cover the period from 1790 to 1808,² indicate that he painted over 1,200 portrait miniatures. He developed a painting technique which captured the sitter with quick, competent brushstrokes in a few colours. The sitter’s hair and clothes were broadly but effectively painted. Thus he was able to finish works much quicker than French miniature painters, and to add a fascinating lightness to his pictures.
B. P.