The Proposal 1869

"The Proposal" (1869) by John Pettie depicts a man kneeling before a woman in a garden setting. The man is dressed in 18th-century clothing, with a powdered wig and a brown coat, while the woman wears a straw hat adorned with flowers and a blue dress. The man's gesture of holding the woman's hand, along with the title, suggests a romantic proposal, creating a narrative of courtship and anticipation. This painting showcases Pettie's mastery in capturing the nuances of human emotion and detail, portraying a pivotal moment in a courtship scene. It exemplifies the Victorian fascination with historical settings and romantic narratives.