Biased Against Boys

So says my husband as we’re hanging this charming oil painting last night. His point was that I seem to pick up art that shows women or girls and not those with men. He does have a point. I think it all goes back to my love of Old Dutch Masters art – especially those scenes painted by Pieter de Hooch (1629-1684). He is often overshadowed these days by Johannes Vermeer but de Hooch’s art was so peaceful and filled with light that it’s worth turning to Google and looking him up. Studying and traveling to see these works has shaped those things that catch my eye, and invariably they include females.

This charming oil was in an on-line presale recently for a local church rummage sale (there’s a great word for what I love to do – rummage: search unsystematically and untidily through a mass). She is painted on a linoleum-type board which creates the odd dot texture. However, her colors and brushwork appealed to me so I bought her sight unseen for $50. The signature is a mystery and no date, but I’m putting her in the 1970s based on the coloring.  

The image is timeless which is something that always appeals to me. A young girl in a fancy outfit tying her white shoes. The detail spent on her hair and face, with the recognition of deep shadow is very well executed. And, of course, the triangle shape she makes is a classic painting device which attracts the eye. Geometry shows up even in paintings (and quilting!) and while you may not be aware of it, it informs those works that are well done. The style is very Impressionist as there is no real focus on details around her – unlike those paintings by de Hooch which could almost seem photographic. This piece reminds me of a dear sister with her dark hair – the only one of my siblings with dark hair as had my mother – so I will call her Jane. Sorry Dick, I really do prefer Jane.