Dancer Resting

Dame Laura Knight 1877 - 1970

Summary

The dense black background of this monochrome portrait ensures that the solitary female figure in the composition stands out. Her dress and bare skin are all brightly highlighted against the black background; only her dark hair merges with the background. Seated to the right, she is slightly off centre even though she is leaning forward with her right arm outstretched and her left arm clasping her right ankle. Her body is slightly turned so that although her back is partially turned to the viewer her face can still be seen. Her crossed legged position means that her right foot is visible revealing that she is wearing a ballet shoe. The dress she wears, which has delicate straps so that her shoulders and upper back remain bare and a full skirt with multiple petticoats, is also part of her dancing costume.