'Analysis of ‘Lady in Black’ by Francis Cadell Essay\r'

'Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, associated with the Scotch colourists was innate(p) in Edinburgh in 1883 and by the fester of 16 was studying at the Academie Julian in Paris. During his career he was genuinely much influenced by the Fauvists such as Matisse and on his return to Scotland exhibited much of his witness work in Edinburgh Glasgow and London. He died in poerty at the age of 54 after the economic climate make it difficult for him to sell any of his work. He varicoloured landscapes (mainly those of Lona which were a favourite of his), interiors, quieten life and figures in oil and watercolour but is known most for his portraits of exciting women. One such portrait, completed in 1921, is ‘Lady in Black’ painted in oil.\r\nThe painting has a sooner macabre mood as the char charwoman within the picture has a thoughtful expression on her face as if longing for the past. There is a mirror rotter her, which may also extend to the idea of reflection.\r\n She is dressed in black, which adds to the diseased mood as it could indicate she is lament the death of a loved one. Her clay language also expresses sadness as her posture is quite slumped, and the small flowers seen behind her could have been meant for a grave. The shadow over her eyes ca utilize by her large assume makes them look undefined and blurry, giving them a sad, depressed look. The painting itself is also genuinely dark as there is very little light and the colours used are very dull and grey, adding to the pitiful mood.\r\nThe media is used very loosely, in an close to impressionistic manner, which may have sprung from Cadell cosmos exposed to the work of the Impressionists who were active in Paris at the time he was being educated there. He uses strokes of fearless colour such as the woman’s lips, the flowers in the background and the beg furniture reflected in the mirror. These strong reds and pinks could symbolize love or passion, which adds emphas is to the woman’s lost love.\r\nThis piece was more or less typical of the Scottish Colourist movement, but also contains undertones of impressionism as non much line is used; rather different colours are forge on top of each other, as the impressionists were known to do. It is a very graphic piece with a well-expressed dreary, nostalgic mood.\r\n'