Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by James Nixon in 1790-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

James Nixon , 1796

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the British Romanticist artist James Nixon. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is recorded with accession number 1975.

The work titled Portrait of a Woman was created by James Nixon in 1796. It depicts a single woman and belongs to the portrait genre. The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is recorded with accession number 1975.1.2125, having entered the collection in 1975 as a gift of an anonymous donor. No details on the commission or prior owners are documented in the available sources.

Overview

James Nixon's Portrait of a Woman, painted in 1796, captures an unidentified female sitter. This painting is a notable example of late 18th-century portraiture and is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artist presents the subject from the chest up, employing a restrained palette to emphasize her features and attire within a distinctive circular format.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted with curly hair, wearing a white dress accented by a dark shawl or collar. Her expression remains neutral, and her gaze is directed towards the left, engaging the viewer indirectly. The artist frames the woman from the chest up within a circular format, which is further enclosed by a metal ring, suggesting a decorative or perhaps miniature-like presentation.

Technique & Style

Nixon utilized a varied range of tonal values to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in the portrait. The rendering of the woman's curly hair and delicate clothing is characterized by soft, flowing lines, contributing to a sense of grace. In contrast, the background is painted with a looser hand, featuring a mottled grey texture that provides a subtle, undifferentiated setting for the sitter.

Context

This painting contributes to The Metropolitan Museum of Art's extensive holdings of portraiture from the period. It offers insight into the conventions of depicting individuals in the late 18th century, reflecting both the artistic trends and social practices of the era. Its presence within the collection allows for comparative study alongside other works of similar genre and time.