The lovely subject of this portrait has a smile, but it is almost a smirk. She obviously has something to be proud of, having received an MD and wearing Graduation robes. But Rhyn paints this portrait with a strangely realistic background. It has a low ceiling and windows with shades, giving everything a claustrophobic feeling. Does this portray the young woman's future restrictions in life? She is looking at George with a kindly look, as though she is humouring him, even as her surroundings seem to be closing in. Rhyn was obviously sending a subtle message through his canvas. This innocuous seeming portrait can now be seen as his dally, with symbolic realism. M.G.