The artists daughter Sun Albert Anker

The portrait presents a young girl in a formal pose, centered against a softly blurred background. She appears to be around eight or nine years old, with fair skin and reddish-blonde hair neatly arranged with a blue ribbon. Her gaze is direct, almost unwavering, creating an immediate connection with the viewer.
Here we see her dressed in a white jacket adorned with black buttons and contrasting trim, paired with what seems to be a plaid skirt. The clothing suggests a degree of affluence and adherence to societal norms for children of that era. She holds a dark hat, slightly tilted, which rests on her lap; a sprig of greenery peeks out from within the hats brim.
The artist’s handling of light is notable. It illuminates the girl’s face and jacket, highlighting the texture of the fabric and emphasizing her features. The background, rendered in muted tones, serves to isolate the subject and draw attention to her presence. Brushstrokes are visible throughout, contributing to a sense of immediacy and naturalism.
Subtleties within the composition hint at deeper meanings. The directness of her gaze could be interpreted as innocence or perhaps a nascent awareness of being observed. The hat, held rather than worn, might symbolize a transition – a moment between childhood playfulness and more formal expectations. The sprig of greenery offers a touch of nature amidst the formality of her attire, suggesting an underlying vitality and connection to the natural world.
The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and restrained emotion. It’s not merely a depiction of a child; its a study in character, capturing a fleeting moment in time with sensitivity and precision.