Artwork
Mrs. John A. Brown (Grace Brown)
Mrs. John A. Brown (Grace Brown) is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Anna Claypoole Peale. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The use of ivory as a support allows for the delicate application of watercolor, enabling the artist to render fine facial features and textures with precision.
Created in 1827, this portrait of Grace Brown by Anna Claypoole Peale is executed in watercolor on ivory, a characteristic medium for miniature portraiture of the era. The work measures 7.3 centimeters in height and 6.2 centimeters in width, reflecting the intimate scale typical of the genre. Stylistically, the piece focuses on the formal representation of the sitter, capturing specific details such as her braid within the confined oval format.
The use of ivory as a support allows for the delicate application of watercolor, enabling the artist to render fine facial features and textures with precision. This technique distinguishes the work from oil paintings on canvas, emphasizing the luminosity and translucency inherent to the miniature tradition held within the American Wing collection.
History & Provenance
Mrs. John A. Brown (Grace Brown) is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under The American Wing. Created in 1827 by Anna Claypoole Peale, the watercolor-on-ivory portrait measures 7.3 by 6.2 centimeters. No specific inventory or accession number, nor any exhibition history, is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Anna Claypoole Peale completed Mrs. John A. Brown (Grace Brown) in 1827, a watercolor-on-ivory portrait miniature. This work captures a woman with her hair intricately braided, depicted with meticulous detail on the small surface. Peale was a prominent American artist, recognized for her skill in creating these delicate, intimate portraits. The piece exemplifies the artistry and personal significance of miniatures during the early 19th century.
Context
Portrait miniatures served a distinct social function in the early 19th century. Their compact size allowed individuals to carry images of family members or loved ones, offering a portable and private connection. This practice reflects a broader tradition where small, personal portraits were cherished objects, often kept close at hand or worn as jewelry, symbolizing affection and remembrance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anna Claypoole Peale (March 6, 1791 – December 25, 1878) was an American painter who specialized in portrait miniatures on ivory and still lifes.
