Artwork

Sweetest Eyes Were Ever Seen

Sweetest Eyes Were Ever Seen, by Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne, watercolor, 1850
Sweetest Eyes Were Ever Seen, by Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne, watercolor, 1850

Sweetest Eyes Were Ever Seen is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1850 by Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford, *Sweetest Eyes Were Ever Seen* is a watercolour depicting a serene outdoor gathering.

Subject & Meaning

The scene centres on a woman playing a small, round guitar amidst a captivated group of children and adults. Her intense focus, with eyes cast down, contrasts with the relaxed, engaged posture of the listeners, suggesting a moment of shared, peaceful connection.

Technique & Style

Characterized by warm, earthy tones (reds, pinks, and browns), the work features loose, expressive brushstrokes. The rough, blended edges contribute to a soft, dreamy quality, evoking the spontaneity of a fleeting moment.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford (1850), the watercolour is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne

Artist

Marchioness of Waterford Louisa Anne

Louisa Anne Beresford, Marchioness of Waterford (née Stuart; 14 April 1818 – 12 May 1891) was a British Pre-Raphaelite watercolourist and philanthropist.