Repose 1895

"Repose" (1895) by John White Alexander (1856-1915) is a portrait of a woman reclining on a couch, a popular motif in American art of the late 19th century. The soft light and the woman’s relaxed pose evoke a sense of tranquility, contrasting with the dark background and the woman’s seemingly melancholic expression. The subtle details of the woman's dress and the interior setting add to the overall aesthetic of the work. Alexander's works often depicted feminine beauty and domesticity, resonating with the tastes of the Gilded Age audience.