Ernesta

In 1899, Cecilia Beaux was lauded by her renowned contemporary William Merritt Chase as "not only the greatest living woman painter but the best that has ever lived." While such a statement might now be seen as a backhanded compliment, reflecting the gender biases of the time, Beaux herself firmly rejected the label of "woman painter." Known for her elegant and sensitive portraits of friends, relatives, and Gilded Age patrons, Beaux painted many famous subjects including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Admiral Sir David Beatty, and Georges Clemenceau. Today we present a stunning portrait of her favorite niece, Ernesta Drinker. Critics admired the work for its "skillful handling of the whites of the costume and sofa" and its ability to convey "the animation and charm of youth."

P.S. Cecilia's works are truly amazing and elegant. Of course we are featuring her in our Women Artists 50 Postcards Set! Check out the DailyArt Shop.  :) 

P.P.S. Similar to John Singer Sargent, Cecilia Beaux often used Impressionist techniques in her art. Here are 5 American Impressionists you should know! Have you heard about any of them?