"The elaborate costume Grace, Orpen’s wife, wears - as well as a homage to William Nicholson’s fondness for gloves - illustrates her penchant for hats. Here she wears a large, stiff brimmed hat decked with either roses or peonies and a transparent veil, which cascades seductively over her face. The whole ensemble denotes elegant Edwardian living. Grace’s face is caught by a flush of light from below, creating an arresting portrait." http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/126910008167/portrait-of-grace