Sir John Everett Millais | Mariana, 1851 | Tate Collection
This painting by British painter John Everett Millais (1829-1896) is of Mariana, a character from Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure.
The story goes that Mariana’s fiancé Angelo leaves after her family’s money is lost in a shipwreck.
Still in love with him, she hopes they will be reunited.
Millais shows Mariana pausing to stretch her back after working at some embroidery, with the autumn leaves scattered on the ground marking the passage of time.
The stained-glass windows in front of her show the Annunciation, contrasting the Virgin's fulfilment with Mariana's frustration and longing.
Sir John Everett Millais | Mariana, 1851 | Tate Collection