Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting by the British Romanticist artist George Freeman. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 27.249
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1927
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The title itself signals the depiction of a lady, and the genre designation confirms a representational likeness rather than an allegorical or symbolic scene.
The work titled "Portrait of a Lady" by George Freeman, dated 1825, portrays a woman as its central figure. Both the classification within The American Wing and the descriptive data identify the piece as a portrait and note that the main subject is a woman. The title itself signals the depiction of a lady, and the genre designation confirms a representational likeness rather than an allegorical or symbolic scene.
Accordingly, the subject is understood as a female sitter whose image functions within the tradition of early-American portraiture, emphasizing likeness and status.
Technique & Style
George Freeman's 1825 'Portrait of a Lady' is executed in watercolor on ivory, a medium and support characteristic of early nineteenth-century American miniature portraiture. The work measures 9.8 by 7.3 centimetres, dimensions consistent with intimate, handheld portrait miniatures of the period. The watercolor technique on ivory allows for fine, delicate handling and luminous tonal effects, as the smooth, non-absorbent surface of ivory enables precise brushwork and subtle gradations of color.
The small scale and refined execution suggest a formal, elegant presentation of the female sitter typical of the genre. The work is classified within the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting its significance within the tradition of American portrait miniatures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1825, this watercolor on ivory portrait was executed by the artist George Freeman. The work, which depicts an unidentified woman, has been attributed to Freeman based on historical records linking him to the piece from that year. Currently, the artwork is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically within its American Wing.
While the specific original commissioner and the detailed ownership chain prior to its museum acquisition are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the piece's inception is firmly established as 1825. The physical object measures approximately 9.8 by 7.3 centimetres, consistent with the small-scale format typical of portrait miniatures from this period.
Overview
This watercolor miniature, titled Portrait of a Lady, was created by George Freeman around 1825. It depicts an unidentified woman, rendered with delicate detail characteristic of the period. The artwork is part of the American Wing collection, showcasing a common form of portraiture from the early 19th century. Its small scale suggests an intimate purpose.
Context
Miniatures like Portrait of a Lady served primarily as personal keepsakes, often exchanged between family members or loved ones. Their small, portable size made them ideal for private contemplation and travel. This practice was widespread in the 19th century, offering an accessible way to preserve the likenesses of individuals before the advent of photography.
Artist & collection
