Woman Holding A Horse Racing Ticket

The painting "Woman Holding a Horse Racing Ticket" by Edward Penfield portrays a distinct and colorful scene likely at a horse racing event. The imagery combines a touch of early 20th century elegance and simplicity, indicative of Penfield’s style, often noted for posters and illustrations that carry clear narratives and strong graphic lines.In the artwork, three figures are presented prominently. On the left, there's a woman dressed in an elegant, dark green cloak with a striking red collar, which contrasts beautifully with her delicate profile and upturned hat adorned with a floral accessory. She holds a horse racing ticket in her right hand, suggesting that she might be either placing a bet or checking a race result.Beside her stands a man exuding a genteel aura, dressed in formal attire, complete with a top hat and tailcoat. His posture and side profile, highlighted by the sharp cut of his jaw and straight nose, suggest a portrayal of grace typical of the upper class engaging in leisure activities like horse racing during this era.Between them and slightly in the foreground, a horse's head intrudes into the scene. The horse is fitted with a distinct, plaid-patterned hood that covers its ears and head, leaving its expressive eyes and the rest of its facial features visible. The color and style of the hood add a playful element to the composition and emphasize the racing theme.The background is simplified, rendered in blocks of color and minimal details, focusing our attention on the characters and their attire.