A Lady Holding a Rattle by Irish Artist Sarah Purser Art Print

A Lady Holding a Rattle (1885) by Sarah Henrietta Purser – Fine Art Reproduction Print

Bring the beauty and depth of Irish art history into your space with this exquisite reproduction of A Lady Holding a Rattle (1885) by Sarah Henrietta Purser. This masterful portrait captures Mrs. Mary Sturgis (née de la Poer Beresford) with remarkable elegance and emotional complexity, offering a striking window into the Victorian era.

A Portrait of Poise and Commentary

At first glance, this three-quarter-length portrait highlights the refinement and fashion of Victorian womanhood. Mary Sturgis is depicted seated in a white dress, her neat waist accented by a dramatic black bonnet adorned with green feathers. In her hand, she holds a doll's rattle with an air of quiet detachment, her thoughtful expression subtly challenging societal expectations of her time.

Purser’s brilliant interplay of impressionistic brushwork and precise detail is on full display. Her fluid strokes evoke the influence of French masters like Manet and Degas, while her academic training at the Académie Julian shines through in the careful rendering of Mary’s features. The balance between spontaneous composition and meticulous craftsmanship makes this portrait a timeless masterpiece.

A Tribute to Sarah Henrietta Purser

More than just a celebrated artist, Sarah Purser was a trailblazer for Irish women in the arts. She navigated the challenges of the 19th-century art world with tenacity, leaving an indelible mark as a painter, advocate for Irish art, and founder of cultural institutions like An Túr Gloine. This print invites you to celebrate not only her artistic genius but her legacy as a pioneer of Irish culture.

Product Details:

• Museum-quality reproduction of A Lady Holding a Rattle (1885), painted by Sarah Henrietta Purser
• Original medium: Oil on canvas; 41 x 31 cm
• Collection: National Gallery of Ireland
• Printed on premium archival-quality paper for vibrant colors and enduring beauty
• Available in multiple sizes to perfectly suit your home or office decor
• Ideal for framing to enhance its timeless elegance

Why Choose This Print?

Whether you're an art collector, history enthusiast, or admirer of Purser’s feminist undertones and technical mastery, this fine art reproduction is a conversation starter that brings sophistication and depth to any space. It’s more than art—it’s a piece of Irish history, a tribute to feminine resilience, and a reflection of timeless creativity.

Add A Lady Holding a Rattle to your collection today and celebrate the genius of Sarah Henrietta Purser, a true pioneer of Irish art.