Artwork

My Jealousy

My Jealousy, by Margaret Isabel Dicksee, watercolor, 1889
My Jealousy, by Margaret Isabel Dicksee, watercolor, 1889

My Jealousy is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Margaret Isabel Dicksee. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

My Jealousy is a watercolour depicting two young women standing together, gazing at a portrait of a young woman on the wall, evoking a contemplative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The scene juxtaposes the two live subjects with the portrayed woman, introducing a subtle tension, potentially alluding to themes of comparison, longing, or introspection, heightened by the serious expression of the woman in the portrait.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft, muted colors and loose, quick brushstrokes, the piece reflects an emphasis on capturing natural light and everyday moments, aligning with emerging trends in late 19th-century art that valued immediacy and naturalism.

Context

Created during a period when traditional approaches to lighting and subject matter were being challenged, this work's focus on ordinary life and natural illumination positions it as part of a broader shift towards more modern and observational artistic practices, foreshadowing Impressionist innovations.

Legacy

While not directly classified as Impressionist, the piece's innovative approach to light and daily life contributes to the transitional narrative of 19th-century art, influencing the development of subsequent movements.

Artist & collection