Portrait of Mrs. Reid

Canadian-born Reid studied at the Pennsylvania Academy in early 1880s with his mentor Thomas Eakins. Following an extensive period abroad in Paris and Madrid, Reid came under the spell of Velazquez and was deeply influenced by his direct observation of nature. He was awarded numerous honors including election to the Royal Canadian Academy.

This extraordinary, spontaneous portrait shows his wife, painter Mary Hiester Reid, fan in hand turning away from the viewer’s gaze. Her white garment is juxtaposed against the dark pines in the background. The diaphanous lace around her bodice and cuffs catches the light filtered through the trees. Touches of blue on the sash around her waist and the ribbon around her neck enrich the composition.