Robert Dowling
Born 1827, Essex, United Kingdom; lived in Australia 1834 – 1857 and again in 1885; died 1886, London
The Opera, 1865
oil on canvas
69.5cm x 59cm
Gift of Mr Ian Hopkins under the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme, 1986
Photographer: Unknown
Visual description:
This portrait is of a woman dressed in elegant formal evening wear, seated in front of a deep red curtain – she appears to be in a theatre box. She has pale skin, with slightly rouged cheeks and pink lips. She wears an off‑the‑shoulder gown made of layers of diaphanous ivory fabric, draped in gentle folds across her upper body. Decorative green accents, possibly embroidered leaves or floral appliqués, adorn the bust line. Her accessories include a pearl necklace, a bracelet made of many strands of pearls, and small drop earrings. Her brown hair is styled neatly in a low bun and adorned with a green headpiece that coordinates with the embellishments on her gown. A delicate pair of short white gloves covers her hands, one of which is lifted toward her chest while the other holds a pair of ivory and brass opera glasses. In front of her is a fashionable opera fan which appears to be made from ivory and translucent ostrich feathers.