Woman Holding Umbrella

This painting by Edward Penfield, titled "Woman Holding Umbrella," is a striking example of early 20th-century American illustration. It portrays a woman shown in profile, holding an umbrella over her shoulder. The stylistic elements reflect Penfield's characteristic clean lines and bold, simplified colors, common in the Art Nouveau movement.The woman is dressed elegantly in a long-sleeved blouse decorated with small polka dots and a high collar. Her skirt appears voluminous, rendered in a bold, dark blue, contrasting beautifully with her bright red belt. This color contrast is a sharp visual focus and speaks to the artist’s attention to the interplay of colors and their impact.Her hair is neatly tied up in a bun with a decorative red accessory, complementing the overall color scheme of her outfit. The pose is casual yet poised, capturing a moment of gentle grace as she lightly grips the handle of the umbrella with one hand and steadies the edge with the other.Penfield's work typically carried an air of sophistication and often depicted leisurely activities of the upper class in an idyllic pre-war America. This painting not only showcases his skill in composition and color but also reflects the fashion and cultural aesthetics of his time, making it a rich piece both visually and historically.