Portrait of a Lady in Blue
Thomas Gainsborough · 1780
Why it's great
A woman in a shimmering blue gown, with a feathery hat, looks out at us with a gentle smile. Gainsborough painted with fluttery strokes that make the silk glow. We don't know who she is, but she has captured the world's attention. It is one of the best-loved portraits of the 18th century.
Where to see it
📍 Winter PalaceSaint Petersburg, Russia
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury, a small town in England, and moved to London as a teenager to study art. He became one of Britain's most fashionable portrait painters, working in Bath and London. He secretly preferred painting landscapes, and he loved music. His elegant, feathery brushstrokes made his sitters seem alive.
