Who painted Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872?

Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872 was painted by William Roos in 1847.

Where can I see Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872?

Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872 is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872?

Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872 is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872

William Roos , 1847

Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872 is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist William Roos. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

This painting depicts a woman in a dark dress with a white collar and a bonnet adorned with flowers.

This painting depicts a woman in a dark dress with a white collar and a bonnet adorned with flowers. The background is a rich, dark brown color.

The woman's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal portrait from the 19th century. Her expression is serious, and her gaze is directed straight ahead.

To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to create a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures, look up chiaroscuro.

Overview

William Roos, a Welsh painter and engraver, created an oil portrait in 1847 titled *Margaret Mary Thomas, died 1872*. The work belongs to the British Romantic tradition and is presently housed in the National Library of Wales.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a formally dressed woman wearing a dark gown, white collar, and a flower‑adorned bonnet. Her expression is sober and her eyes meet the viewer directly, conveying a sense of dignity typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century commemorative portraiture.

Technique & Style

Roos employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing the illuminated facial features against a deep brown backdrop. This contrast models the figure’s volume and highlights the textures of fabric and hair, aligning the piece with Romantic interests in emotional depth and dramatic lighting.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1847, the portrait was later acquired by the National Library of Wales, where it remains part of the institution’s collection of Welsh art. The title records the sitter’s death year, 1872, indicating the work functioned as a posthumous memorial.

Artist & collection

Artist

William Roos

William Roos (1808 – 4 July 1878) was a Welsh artist and engraver. Several of Roos' portraits, mainly of notable Welsh figures, are owned by the National Library of Wales.