A Gust of Wind. Mrs. Violet Ormond (1870-1955), Artists Sister John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

The composition presents a figure caught in motion, seemingly buffeted by a strong wind. Here we observe a woman standing outdoors, her body angled slightly away from the viewer and turned towards the left. She is dressed in a flowing white garment that billows dramatically around her, emphasizing the force of the breeze. A wide-brimmed hat obscures much of her face, though a glimpse of her lips suggests a slight smile or perhaps a grimace against the wind’s intensity.
The artist employed a loose and expressive brushstroke throughout the work. The sky is rendered with broad sweeps of blue and white, creating a sense of atmospheric turbulence. Similarly, the vegetation at her feet – likely grasses or reeds – is suggested through quick, textured marks that convey movement and density. The ground itself appears uneven and sandy, further contributing to the feeling of instability.
The color palette is dominated by cool tones – blues and whites – punctuated by touches of brown in the hat and a hint of red on her lips. This limited range enhances the overall impression of a breezy, somewhat melancholic atmosphere. Light falls upon the figure from an unseen source, highlighting the folds of her clothing and creating a play of shadows that adds depth to the scene.
Beyond the literal depiction of a woman in the wind, subtexts emerge concerning vulnerability and resilience. The obscured face invites speculation about her inner state; is she enjoying the sensation or struggling against it? Her posture suggests both defiance and surrender. The billowing fabric could symbolize freedom or constraint, while the natural setting implies a connection to something larger than herself.
The painting’s aesthetic leans towards Impressionism, prioritizing capturing a fleeting moment and an atmospheric effect over precise detail. It is not merely a portrait but rather an exploration of how nature interacts with human presence, evoking a sense of transience and the power of elemental forces.