Study of a Young Woman
Looking at this portrait it is perhaps hard to believe that Gotch was one of the first artists to visit Cornwall and become part of the Newyln School, best characterised by the work of Stanhope Forbes (1857-1947). After a visit to Italy in 1891, Gotch's work changed dramatically under the influence of the colourful, sumptuous and jewel-like portraits of the early Renaissance painters. Produced during that later period, this highly decorative portrait contrasts the smooth fragility of the unknown sitter's face with the more loosely painted, rhythmic patterning of the background.
