The Beginner [Margaret Perry] 1886

Lilla Cabot Perry's 1886 painting, "The Beginner [Margaret Perry]", is a portrait of a young girl, likely the artist's daughter, holding a violin. The composition is intimate, with the subject filling the frame, and the dark background emphasizes the girl's thoughtful expression. Perry's use of light is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the girl's face and the violin with a soft glow. The painting captures the innocence and vulnerability of youth, suggesting the beginning of a journey into music and art.