Study in Black and Green by John White Alexander Postcard

Study in Black and Green by John White Alexander (Pennsylvania 1856–1915). The idealised, impassive woman, shown as if she were a precious object was a painter favourite subject, Here, a young beauty is absorbed to pinning a bauble or blossom to the low neckline of her elegant evening gown. The skirt’s sinuous striped pattern, the curves at the knees and shoulders, and the contour of the upswept hair justify the description of Alexander as “the painter of the flowing line.” His dazzling brushwork is especially noteable in the rendering of the rich fabrics and in the otherwise plain background.