Doubts

Henrietta Rae (1859–1928)

1886

Oil on canvas

Fish, Henrietta Rae (Mrs. Ernest Normand)

The year 1886 was productive of but one picture, for the cares of maternity absorbed much of Mrs. Normand’s time. “Doubts” was sent to the Academy, where it was accepted and accorded a good position near to Sargent’s portrait of the Misses Vickers. Classicism was for the time being abandoned, and a return made to the style of the first subject-picture “Love’s Young Dream,” which was suggestive of that of Mr. Marcus Stone. On Private View Day Mr. Stone expressed his opinion of the attempt as “ Charming ! Charming!” The reproduction in colour of this picture precludes the necessity of any description. It marked a distinct advance in technique, and was received favourably by the critics.