Portrait of a Young Woman
1862
Signed 'May Paris 62' in the corner, this portrait reveals American artist Edward Harrison May showing off his skills while studying in France during the 1860s. The young woman looks incredibly lifelike, with a shy, downward gaze that makes her seem lost in quiet thought. Notice the beautiful contrast between her frilly white lace dress and the dark, moody background—it's a classic trick to make her pale skin and deep green bodice pop! The little blue ribbon in her hair adds a sweet, casual touch to an otherwise very formal academic style.