Who painted Cecily Ursula, aged three years?

Cecily Ursula, aged three years was painted by Arthur Hughes in 1882.

Where can I see Cecily Ursula, aged three years?

Cecily Ursula, aged three years is held by Ashmolean Museum.

Artwork

Cecily Ursula, aged three years

Cecily Ursula, aged three years is an oil painting by Arthur Hughes. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cecily Ursula, aged three years is an oil painting created by Arthur Hughes around 1882, now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection. The work portrays a young girl in a formal setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a three-year-old girl, Cecily Ursula, standing formally in front of a wall. Her attire—dark dress, white collar, stockings, and brown shoes—and the backdrop suggest a traditional, posed portrait. Notable details include her blonde hair tied with a ribbon and her holding a hat above her head.

Technique & Style

Hughes's use of oil paint in this work is characteristic of his detailed and observant approach, typical of his association with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The inclusion of intricate elements like a floral curtain, a small table, and scattered toys on the floor showcases his attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1882 by Arthur Hughes (1832-1915), an English painter and illustrator linked to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, the painting is currently housed at the Ashmolean Museum.

Context

As a Pre-Raphaelite work, *Cecily Ursula, aged three years* reflects the movement's emphasis on meticulous representation and often, the portrayal of youth and innocence. The formal yet intimate setting may also speak to Victorian attitudes towards childhood.

Legacy

While specific impact of *Cecily Ursula* on broader art historical narratives is not prominently noted, it contributes to the understanding of Hughes's oeuvre and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's influence on late 19th-century portraiture.