Lady with a Mask

Thomas Wilmer Dewing

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows a seated woman, her body turned slightly to the left and her head turned towards us. She is holding a small white mask in her right hand, balancing it on one of her knees. She has pale skin, high cheekbones, and pink lips in a neutral expression. She has short, dark, curly hair that is adorned with a pearl clip or headband. She is dressed in a light-colored gown with highlights of pink, green, and pale blue, with wide, flowing sleeves and fabric gathered at the bust. The background is a plain gray wall, with a hanging scroll or tapestry beside her on the left, containing shades of blue and gold.