Artwork
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe (1828–1887)
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe (1828–1887) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Alexandre Cabanel. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The portrait of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for Alexandre Cabanel's academic portrait practice.
The portrait of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for Alexandre Cabanel's academic portrait practice. The work measures 171.5 cm in height by 108.6 cm in width, indicating a large-scale, full-length format consistent with formal society portraiture of the period. Classified simply as a painting and identified by genre as a portrait, the medium and dimensions reflect the conventional techniques of mid-to-late nineteenth-century French academic painting, in which oil on canvas allowed for the smooth blending and refined surface finish associated with Salon-style representation. No additional information regarding specific handling, brushwork, condition, or stylistic characterization is documented in the available sources.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe was executed in 1876 by Alexandre Cabanel as a commissioned likeness of the patron. It was painted in oil on canvas, measuring roughly 171.5 × 108.6 cm, and depicts Wolfe in a conventional portrait style. Following its completion, Wolfe retained ownership of the work, which remained in her personal collection until her death in 1887.
The painting subsequently entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been part of the museum’s holdings since the late 19th century.
Alexandre Cabanel's 1876 oil portrait of Catharine Lorillard Wolfe is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work, executed on canvas, measures 171.5 cm in height and 108.6 cm in width. While the provided sources confirm the painting's current location and physical dimensions, they do not supply a specific inventory or accession number for the piece.
Furthermore, the available documentation contains no records regarding the artwork's exhibition history or previous display venues. The portrait depicts the subject as a woman and remains part of the museum's holdings, reflecting its status as a significant 19th-century portrait by the French artist.
Overview
Alexandre Cabanel's oil portrait depicts American art collector and philanthropist Catharine Lorillard Wolfe. Completed in 1888, the work captures Wolfe in a formal pose, reflecting Cabanel's characteristic academic style. The painting serves as a testament to Wolfe's significant contributions to the arts, even though it was executed posthumously.
Subject & Meaning
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe (1828–1887) was a prominent figure in American philanthropy and art collecting during the 19th century. Her legacy includes substantial bequests to cultural institutions, notably the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This portrait commemorates her importance, presenting her with a composed demeanor befitting her stature and influence in the art world.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alexandre Cabanel (French:; 28 September 1823 – 23 January 1889) was a French painter.
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