Artwork
Sally Avery Olds
Sally Avery Olds is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jeptha Wade. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a young woman, identified as Sally Avery Olds, rendered with a focus on her contemplative expression and delicate features.
The painting portrays a young woman, identified as Sally Avery Olds, rendered with a focus on her contemplative expression and delicate features. The work functions as a formal portrait that emphasizes character and presence rather than narrative symbolism, reflecting traditional nineteenth-century portrait conventions. Its creation in Cleveland underscores regional artistic connections of the era.
Technique & Style
Sally Avery Olds is an oil painting executed on canvas. The work measures 73.3 by 61.0 cm and was created in Cleveland. As an 1837 work by Jeptha Wade, the medium and support reflect the traditional materials of American portraiture of the period, though specific details regarding handling, condition, or formal stylistic qualities are not documented in the available sources.
Overview
Created in 1837, Sally Avery Olds is an oil portrait by Jeptha Homer Wade, an American figure better known for his industrial ventures and early photographic work. The painting belongs to the realist tradition and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
History & Provenance
The portrait was executed before Wade’s relocation to Michigan in 1840, during his early artistic phase. It later entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display as an example of early American portraiture.
Context
At the time of its creation, American portraiture was shifting toward a more truthful representation of subjects, moving away from the idealized conventions of earlier periods. Wade’s dual career in industry and art reflects the broader 19th‑century American spirit of entrepreneurship intersecting with cultural production.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jeptha Homer Wade (August 11, 1811 – August 9, 1890) was an American industrialist, philanthropist, and one of the founding members of Western Union Telegraph.
