Queen Victoria

Studio of Franz Xaver Winterhalter

National Gallery of Art

This painting depicts a woman in a three-quarter view, capturing her upper body, arms, and voluminous dress. She has her body turned to the left but is looking directly at us with a neutral expression. Her skin is pale, her eyes are blue, and her slightly parted lips are red. Her hair is styled in a middle part and gathered in two braids that lead into a bun, around which is a silver crown or tiara. She wears an ornate gown with a fitted white bodice adorned with lace and silver embellishments on the sleeves. Across her chest is a dark blue sash that has two rows of small gems. Her hands are crossed near her waist, and she holds a pink rose with green leaves in one hand. Her arms also gather up the long lace train of her white skirt. She wears a gold pendant around her neck. The background of the painting shows a dramatic sky filled with large yellow and green clouds.