Sympathy by Briton Riviere, 1877. Riviere uses fine lines to communicate a story of a sad young girl and her dog using posture and facial expression.

19th C. Oil Painting (theme: human emotions)

Describe:

This painting features a young girl and a dog sitting on a staircase, painted with clean, fine, static lines. The shapes are both compound and complex.

Analyze:

Emphasis: The emphasis in this painting is on the dog and the girl and her expression.
Proportion: This painting is 1/3 complex shapes and 2/3 compound shapes.
Movement: This painting is very vertical. The slant of the bannister and the difference of values directs your eye to the faces of the dog and girl.
Balance: This painting has asymmetrical balance.
Unity/Variety: The colors and the posture of both the girl and the doll pull the painting together. The oriental pattern of the rug adds variety.

Interpret:

I think this work is displaying a little girl's sadness from being neglected and a dog sympathizing for her. I believe it's communicating that wealth isn't always happiness, since she lives in a nice house, and that dog is a mans best friend. The girls Mellon collie expression and slumped posture shows this.

Source: fineartamerica.com