What color are Jane Austen’s eyes?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

Jane Austen’s eye color is a subject of debate among historians and scholars. While there is no definitive answer, some sources suggest that she had hazel eyes. Hazel eyes are often described as a combination of brown, green, and gold, and can vary in appearance depending on lighting and surroundings.

In portraits of Jane Austen, her eyes are often depicted as a light, warm brown, with hints of green. This suggests that her eye color may have been hazel. However, it is important to note that these portraits may not be entirely accurate representations, as they were often painted years after her death and may have been influenced by artistic interpretation.

Additionally, descriptions of Jane Austen’s appearance in her letters and writings provide some clues about her eye color. While she does not specifically mention the color of her eyes, she does mention the eye color of her characters. In “Pride and Prejudice,” for example, she describes Elizabeth Bennet as having “fine, dark eyes,” which could suggest that Austen herself had dark eyes as well.

It is also worth considering the physical characteristics of Jane Austen’s family members. Eye color is often hereditary, so looking at the eye color of her immediate family members can provide some insight. While there is limited information available about the eye color of her siblings, it is believed that her father had hazel eyes. This could suggest that Jane Austen may have inherited similar eye color from her father.

Ultimately, the exact color of Jane Austen’s eyes may remain unknown. The information available is limited and open to interpretation. However, the consensus among historians and scholars is that she likely had hazel eyes, based on the available evidence and descriptions of her appearance.