Susannah Frederick Goodall (1822-1904)

The composition presents a female figure in a state of partial undress, positioned on what appears to be a stone ledge or basin. Her posture is one of poised alertness; she sits with her legs crossed, one foot dangling into the water below, while her hands rest lightly on the edge of the structure. The woman’s gaze is directed outward, suggesting an awareness of something beyond the immediate scene.
The artist has rendered the figure with a meticulous attention to anatomical detail and skin texture, conveying a sense of naturalism. Her hair, dark and slightly disheveled, frames her face, drawing focus to her expression – a mixture of apprehension and defiance. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – the grey stone, the muted greens and browns of the foliage visible in the background – contrasted with the pale flesh of the woman.
Behind the figure, a landscape unfolds, characterized by tall trees and a bright sky hinting at an autumnal season. This backdrop provides depth to the composition while also creating a sense of isolation for the central subject. The light source appears to be coming from above and slightly to the left, casting shadows that accentuate the contours of her body and adding volume to the stone structure.
Subtleties within the painting suggest a narrative beyond mere depiction. The presence of water – both in the basin she partially occupies and implied in the background – can be interpreted as symbolic of purification or vulnerability. Her exposed state might represent a loss of innocence, a moment of exposure, or perhaps even a challenge to societal norms. The woman’s gaze, directed away from the viewer, implies an external threat or a preoccupation with something beyond her immediate surroundings.
The overall effect is one of restrained drama and psychological complexity. While seemingly straightforward in its representation of the human form, the painting invites contemplation on themes of exposure, judgment, and resilience.