Artwork
Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little
Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist Childe Hassam. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The artwork serves as a preparatory or independent examination of the subject's appearance, capturing her presence through the artist's impressionist lens.
The work depicts a portrait of a woman, specifically identified as Mrs. Anna E. Little. Created in 1925 by Childe Hassam, the painting functions as a study within the portrait genre, focusing on the representation of its female subject. As a portrait study, the piece prioritizes the visualization of the sitter's likeness over complex narrative symbolism or elaborate iconographic programs.
The artwork serves as a preparatory or independent examination of the subject's appearance, capturing her presence through the artist's impressionist lens. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this 35.6 by 43.2 centimeter painting, which stands as a direct visual record of Mrs. Little.
History & Provenance
The work was painted in 1925 by Childe Hassam as a preparatory study for the commissioned portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it remains held. The painting’s dimensions are 35.6 × 43.2 cm, consistent with a studio study rather than a final exhibition canvas.
The Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as recorded in the Wikidata entry for the work. Created by Childe Hassam in 1925, the painting is catalogued as part of the museum's holdings and measures 35.6 by 43.2 centimeters. No accession number or exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Childe Hassam's Study for Portrait of Mrs. Anna E. Little, created in 1925, serves as a preparatory work for a larger depiction of its subject. This painting captures the likeness of Mrs. Anna E. Little, a woman whose full portrait was evidently planned or executed. As a study, it focuses on essential elements of her appearance, offering insight into the artist's process before a final composition.
Technique & Style
Hassam employed a loose and expressive painting style for this study, characterized by visible brushstrokes and a textured surface. Rather than pursuing a highly detailed or photographic realism, the artist prioritized capturing the sitter's essential features and overall expression. This approach highlights the spontaneity often found in preparatory works, emphasizing form and character over fine rendering.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Childe Hassam (; October 17, 1859 – August 27, 1935) was an American Impressionist painter, noted for his urban and coastal scenes.
