p-hf-ab 18 #55 Harrison Fisher

The artwork presents a portrait of a young woman, framed within a decorative border. She is depicted in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed slightly downwards and away from the viewer. The composition emphasizes a sense of quiet introspection or perhaps melancholy.
Here we see a striking contrast between the dark tones of her hat and the warm hues of her hair and complexion. Her hair, a vibrant shade of auburn, cascades around her shoulders, partially obscured by the wide-brimmed hat which dominates the upper portion of the frame. The hat itself is rendered in deep greens and blacks, accented with a large plume of feathers that adds height and visual interest to the composition. A silk scarf or tie drapes elegantly from beneath the hat’s brim, echoing its dark color scheme.
The womans features are delicately portrayed; her skin possesses a soft luminosity, and her lips are subtly painted, suggesting a restrained beauty. The artist has paid particular attention to rendering the texture of her hair and the sheen of the fabrics she wears. A subtle blush highlights her cheeks, contributing to an overall impression of youthful vitality tempered by a hint of sadness or pensiveness.
The background is largely indistinct, a pale wash that allows the figure to remain the focal point. The inclusion of a label at the bottom, identifying the subject as “Mary” and assigning her a numerical designation (#16), suggests this work may be part of a series or collection. This detail introduces an element of categorization and potentially hints at a broader narrative context beyond the individual portrait itself.
The overall effect is one of understated elegance and quiet drama. The artist’s skillful use of light, shadow, and color creates a compelling visual presence, inviting contemplation on the subjects inner state and the circumstances surrounding her portrayal.