Artwork
Little Girl in White (Queenie Burnett)
Little Girl in White (Queenie Burnett) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Bellows. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
George Bellows’ oil on canvas, Little Girl in White (Queenie Burnett), was painted in 1907. The work presents a solitary young girl positioned against a deep, almost black interior, her white dress sharply contrasted with the surrounding gloom.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is rendered with a plain, serious expression; she stands with her hands lightly together in front of her, hair pulled back neatly. The composition emphasizes her isolation within the dark space, suggesting a quiet, introspective moment rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Bellows employs a limited palette, allowing the white garment to appear luminous against the shadowy backdrop. Thick applications of paint, particularly on the dress’s puffed sleeves and high collar, create a tactile surface that catches light, while the surrounding areas are smoother, enhancing the contrast.
History & Provenance
Created early in Bellows’ career, the painting reflects his interest in figure studies before his later focus on urban and sporting subjects. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, later entering private collections before being catalogued under the title Little Girl in White (Queenie Burnett).
Artist & collection
Artist
George Wesley Bellows (August 12 or August 19, 1882 – January 8, 1925) was an American realist painter, known for his bold depictions of urban life in New York City.
