Artwork

Souvenir of an "International Ball" (Portrait of Miss Kathleen Bruce)

Charles Haslewood Shannon , 1907

Souvenir of an "International Ball" (Portrait of Miss Kathleen Bruce) is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Charles Haslewood Shannon. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a portrait genre piece, the painting serves as a visual record of Bruce, who is presented in the context of an "International Ball.

The work depicts Kathleen Bruce, identified in the title as the subject of a portrait painted in 1907. As a portrait genre piece, the painting serves as a visual record of Bruce, who is presented in the context of an "International Ball." The title itself functions as a key element of the work's meaning, framing the image not merely as a likeness but as a commemorative "souvenir" of a specific social event.

This designation suggests the artwork was intended to capture the atmosphere and prestige of the gathering, preserving the memory of Bruce's participation in that high-society occasion.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas in 1907, the portrait measures 116.8 cm in height and 87.2 cm in width. It depicts Miss Kathleen Bruce, with the elaborate mandarin coat that gives the work its alternate title forming the focus of her attire. Specific details of the surface handling and current condition are not documented in the available records.

History & Provenance

Charles Haslewood Shannon created the oil-on-canvas portrait titled Souvenir of an "International Ball" (Portrait of Miss Kathleen Bruce) in 1907. The work depicts Miss Kathleen Bruce and is classified as a portrait genre painting. It measures 116.8 cm in height and 87.2 cm in width.

It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1979.16, having been acquired by the museum in 1979. The work is not noted in the available documentation as having been included in any special exhibitions.

Overview

Charles Haslewood Shannon's 1907 oil painting, Souvenir of an "International Ball" (Portrait of Miss Kathleen Bruce), captures a formally dressed woman in a style associated with the post-impressionist movement. The English artist was widely recognized for his portraiture, with his works frequently exhibited in prominent European collections. This piece exemplifies his focus on individual likenesses and elegant compositions within his artistic output.

Context

Charles Haslewood Shannon, an English artist, established his reputation primarily through his portrait commissions. His works were frequently displayed in major European art venues, including London's National Portrait Gallery, indicating his significant presence in the art world of the early 20th century. This painting aligns with his consistent practice of capturing individuals in a dignified and often lavish manner.