Amourette 2021

Mary Jane Ansell made this striking portrait, *Amourette*, with oil paint, building a world of subtle tones and controlled gestures. I’m fascinated by the contrast between the smooth skin of the figure and the rougher textures of the background statuary. Notice the painting of the hair, each strand is meticulously rendered, giving it a sculptural quality. The braids form a kind of necklace, framing the face and drawing our eye to the subtle play of light and shadow on her features. The overall effect is dreamlike. The muted palette creates a sense of distance, as if we're viewing the scene through a soft filter. The influence of artists like Ingres seems clear to me, but Ansell brings a contemporary sensibility to this classical approach. Like all great painting, it leaves room for interpretation, inviting us to bring our own experiences and emotions to the encounter.