Portrait of the week

This adorable portrait of nine year old Rachel is painted by British animal painter Edwin Henry Landseer (yes, the one giving rise to the name of the dog). He was a close friend to the family, and I think that’s why the portrait is so very personal and intimate. I get the feeling that she without permission sneaked out to the hay barn to indulge in her book in peace and quiet, and Landseer sketched her without her noticing. I love how the focus is on her pretty childish face and the amazing hairdo, while the rest is rather blurry.

Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873); Rachel Russell, 1835