The Strawberry Girl

The Strawberry Girl was one of the most admired eighteenth century subject pictures by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Strawberry girls were a common sight in eighteenth century London, as girls from poor families attempted to make money selling the fruit on street corners and ‘Strawberry Gardens’. In this painting, a little girl has been sent on an errand along a lonely road leading out of the village. A basket of strawberries hangs on her arm, and her apron also seems to be filled with something, for it is gathered up in front like a bag, the corners dropping over the arm. Twilight begins to fall as she comes to a turn of the road overshadowed by a high rock. There are all sorts of queer noises and shadows here, and she steals timidly past the eerie place, peering forward with big eyes. Yet she is a womanly child, who will not easily be turned back. She feels the importance of her errand, and is worthy of the trust. The simple low-cut gown is that of a village maid. An odd cap, something like a turban, covers her head and adds a trifle to her height and dignity.