1961 Portrait of a Lady, by Estee Shore

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What is it about a portrait of a beautiful woman with an ambiguous expression that so captivates our attention, and … Read more What is it about a portrait of a beautiful woman with an ambiguous expression that so captivates our attention, and generates endless speculation about its meaning ?
The best known example being that little painting in The Louvre. The mystery of the meaning in the subtle position of her lips and the look in her eyes has seemed into our collective psyche to the point that no one batted an eye when it served as the title of a Julia Roberts movie about an art teacher at an all girls college in the 1950's, the only mystery being why, since the movie, Mona Lisa Smile, didn't actually address the lady's facial expression in portoirt at all.

While not as famous as Ms. Lisa (or Ms. Roberts) the lady in this portrait has an air of mystery about her as well. The painter, Estee Shore, has captured her subject in a seeming unguarded moment of contemplated reflection. The expression on the lady's face is more nuanced than serenity, and more expressive than mere poise. The lady appears to inhabit a world of wealth and privilege but her expression suggests that this may not be a source of joy or pleasure for her. Or maybe she finds the whole situation a tedious bore? Or is she just thinking that she would love a hot cup or tea or glass of wine or wondering if she left the iron on?
The portrait is framed in an ornate carved wood frame with a rich gold finish.

DIMENSIONS WITH FRAME
21"W x 1.5"D x 25"H See less