John Everett Milllais
(English, 1829-1896).


Portrait of Kate Perugini, Daughter of Charles Dickens (1880).
Oil on canvas.

Kate decided upon the pose she would adopt when she walked into Millais’ studio, turned her back, looked over her shoulder and told him that this was the way she wished to be depicted. Millais clearly agreed and the pose is both original and powerful.

Millais’ eroticism was subtle with the French-seamed gossamer black organdie of the sleeves and back revealing the golden skin beneath.