Rosina Ferrara, Head of a Capri Girl

John Singer Sargent's "Rosina Ferrara, Head of a Capri Girl" is a captivating portrait from 1878, currently part of the Denver Art Museum's collection. This beautiful painting, measuring 41.3 cm × 49.5 cm, draws your attention immediately to the young woman depicted. nn Rosina Ferrara, the subject of the portrait, is presented in profile, her gaze directed off to the right. The artist masterfully captures her youthful beauty against a simple, white background that further emphasizes her features. Notice the detail in her dark, curly hair, adorned with delicate white flowers and leaves – a subtle touch that speaks to the local flora of Capri. nn Sargent's use of warm, earthy tones for her skin and hair creates a striking contrast against the white background, instantly drawing our eyes to her serene expression. The play of light in the painting is also noteworthy; the light source from the left casts a gentle shadow on her face and neck, adding a sense of depth and dimension to the portrait. nn The loose, almost impressionistic brushstrokes, particularly noticeable in the depiction of her hair and the background, infuse the painting with a sense of immediacy and life. It's as if we're catching a glimpse of Rosina in a fleeting moment, her thoughts and emotions captured with remarkable sensitivity by the artist.