New England Hostess

William Gerard Barry painted many members of fashionable society after he arrived in America in 1888. Critics praised the young artist not only for his “rare knack of catching a likeness,” but also for his ability to convey a sitter's spirit (Chicago Daily Tribune,  June 1, 1890). Here, the lady's handsome features and vibrant green sash stand out against the creamy shades of her dress and the wall behind her. Her confident, appraising expression and relaxed arms suggest a woman who was very comfortable in her own skin.