PORTRAIT

ascribed to J. M. P.

She could be someone’s grandmother with her pink cheeks, white hair in a bun, the immaculate lace

collar fastened with a cameo. She sits in an old-fashioned lawn chair—a blue that clashes

with the blue sky and the blue flowers of her dress. Her lips are slightly parted in a slight

smile, but her eyes, as she stares at the viewer, are challenging. Both hands rest lightly on an

animal curled asleep on her lap. It is the size of a small dog, but do not be fooled. Notice

the fine brush-work. The artist has perfectly rendered each guard hair, each glossy quill.