Contemplation (c.1900). Thomas Benjamin Kennington (English, 1856–1916). Oil on canvas. Kennington, by means of the black background and the composition, having the lady fill the canvas, tells the viewer that the contemplation is not about an object or another person in the vicinity but more likely concerns an emotion or feeling about an event, person, or situation that disturbs the lady. Her hanging head and tight lips suggest that she is not contemplating with joy or pleasure.
