Once I was able to focus off of Marie-Louises face, it was the radiance of her dress that delighted the most. With a sparse palette of subdued whites and bold highlights, Sargent creates each fold and layer of this garment. The brooch on Marie-Lousies neck shimmers with a minimum of brush work yet is fully realized and as glowing as the bracelet on her wrist. I've no idea how this is achieved with such economy. (Sadly none of this is visible on the NET image) It is a wondrously alive and complex work and images such as this make me wonder why Sargent fell out of favour.