Artwork

Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Barbara (1768–1829), Marchioness of Donegall

Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Barbara (1768–1829), Marchioness of Donegall is an unspecified painting by the Neoclassicist artist Anne Mee. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

While the specific inventory or accession number is not provided in the available records, the work is cataloged as a portrait by Anne Mee created in 1790.

The portrait was painted by Anne Mee in 1790 and depicts a woman who may be Barbara, Marchioness of Donegall (1768–1829). While no explicit commission record survives, the subject’s identification suggests it was likely produced for the Donegall family. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently housed; earlier ownership details are not documented in the available sources. It is classified as an oil painting and belongs to the portrait genre.

The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. While the specific inventory or accession number is not provided in the available records, the work is cataloged as a portrait by Anne Mee created in 1790. The source material does not list any exhibition history for this piece.

Overview

This painting, titled Portrait of a Woman, Possibly Barbara (1768–1829), Marchioness of Donegall, was created by Anne Mee in 1796. The artwork depicts an unidentified woman, though she is thought to be Barbara, Marchioness of Donegall. This piece is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents a woman whose identity is tentatively linked to Barbara, Marchioness of Donegall. Her attire, characterized by a white dress with a ruffled neckline, along with her curly hairstyle, reflects the formal fashion prevalent in the late 18th century. Her gaze, directed subtly to the right, suggests a moment of contemplation or engagement beyond the viewer.

Technique & Style

Anne Mee employed a focused approach in this painting, rendering the subject against a plain background to emphasize her features. The artist's skillful manipulation of light and shadow contributes to the portrait's dimensionality, giving definition to the woman's face and the folds of her garment. This technique highlights the textures of her hair and clothing, characteristic of portraiture from the period.