Artwork
Mrs. Joseph Donaldson (Frances Johnston)
Mrs. Joseph Donaldson (Frances Johnston) is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist Charles Willson Peale. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This miniature portrait depicts Mrs.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses entirely on the female subject, utilizing the intimate scale typical of the genre to highlight specific markers of status and fashion.
Created in 1776 by Charles Willson Peale, this watercolor on ivory functions as a miniature portrait of Frances Johnston, identified formally as Mrs. Joseph Donaldson. The composition focuses entirely on the female subject, utilizing the intimate scale typical of the genre to highlight specific markers of status and fashion. Iconographically, the work emphasizes the sitter's adornment, specifically depicting a pearl necklace and intricate lace details.
These elements serve as visual symbols of refinement and social standing within the late eighteenth-century context. As a portrait, the piece represents a personal commemoration of the individual, capturing her likeness and attire with the precision afforded by the small format.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1776 by Charles Willson Peale, the portrait of Frances Johnston is a miniature rendered in watercolor on ivory. The diminutive support, measuring roughly 3.8 by 3.1 cm, is characteristic of the ivory format favored for personal keepsakes in the late eighteenth century. Peale's handling within this small field is precise and delicate, allowing the translucent washes to capture fine details such as the sitter's lace and pearl necklace.
The work is classified as a portrait miniature and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
Mrs. Joseph Donaldson (Frances Johnston) is a watercolor on ivory miniature painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1776. The work is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, as part of the American Wing, accessioned as 1975.1.1176. According to the museum's records, it entered the collection in 1975. No further details about earlier owners or commissions are provided in the available sources.
Overview
This miniature portrait depicts Mrs. Joseph Donaldson, also known as Frances Johnston. Executed in watercolor on a small ivory support, the artwork is characterized by its delicate detail and intimate scale. It is part of The American Wing collection, representing a common form of portraiture from its period. The piece offers insight into the artistic practices and social customs of early American art.
Context
This portrait was created by Charles Willson Peale, a prominent American artist of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Peale was known for his versatility, working across various genres including large-scale oil portraits, but also mastering the intricate art of miniature painting. His work provides valuable documentation of individuals and societal trends during the nascent years of the United States.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Willson Peale (April 15, 1741 – February 22, 1827) was an American painter, military officer, scientist, and naturalist.
