Artwork
Girl with Red Hair
Girl with Red Hair is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Benjamin Williams Leader. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Benjamin Williams painted *Girl with Red Hair* in 1890, employing watercolour as his medium. The portrait presents a young girl whose vivid red hair is gathered into a low ponytail, set against a muted brown backdrop that subtly accentuates the bright hue of her locks.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, a girl in a dark blue dress with a white collar, gazes slightly to the left, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation. Her realistic facial features and thoughtful expression suggest an intimate, momentary glimpse into her inner world.
Technique & Style
Williams renders the hair and facial details with careful attention to texture, using the translucency of watercolour to achieve a lifelike quality. The overall composition, with its soft background tones and emphasis on light and color, echoes the sensibilities of late‑19th‑century Impressionist portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, the work remains attributed to Williams, though specific details of its ownership history are not documented in the available records.
Artist & collection
Artist
Benjamin Williams Leader (1831–1923) was an artist, born in Worcester.
