Katherine from The Taming of the Shrew

James Dromgole Linton mainly painted historical genre scenes and figure studies inspired by literary works, especially those of Shakespeare. This watercolour depicts Katherine from 'The taming of the shrew' – the hot-tempered, sharp-tongued ‘shrew’ of the play’s title. The sitter, presumably an artist’s model or actress, wears theatrical costume. The dress textile printed with stylised patterns based on flower forms and foliage is especially characteristic of the Arts and Crafts Movement, as well as Victorian neo-Renaissance design. Linton served as president of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours from 1884 to 1898 and again from 1909 to 1916, doing much to advance the cause of watercolour painting in Britain.