The Brunette c. 1913

William James Glackens painted 'The Brunette', with what looks like confident, quick brushstrokes, capturing a moment, a glance. The colour palette is soft and muted, yet there's a vibrancy, a kind of quiet energy in the way he's applied the paint. It feels like he's really enjoying the process. The material aspects of this painting are particularly captivating, the paint isn't too thick, not too thin, creating a texture that invites you in. The way he suggests the details of the hat, with these almost casual strokes, is beautiful. The jewel at her throat looks to be placed at a perfect angle and really draws your eye. It's the kind of gesture that speaks volumes, like a well-placed word in a conversation. Glackens reminds me of Manet, in his ability to find beauty in everyday life, to capture a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Like all great art, this painting embraces ambiguity. It's not about telling a story, but about creating a space for us to dream and wander.