Portrait of a Young Woman

Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a woman from the waist up, positioned slightly angled to the right with her head turned to the left. Her facial features are delicate with a composed expression, arched eyebrows, and dark eyes. Her hair is styled in large rolls on either side, possibly with extensions, framing her face elegantly. She is dressed in a richly textured garment with an intricately designed lace shawl draped over her shoulders. Her clothing has detailed embroidery. She holds a delicate handheld fan with both hands in front of her. She wears circular earrings and a brooch at the neck of her dress. The background is plain and dark, contrasting with her clothing. The photograph is set within a vintage frame with an ornate gold border.