Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting by the British Romanticist artist John Carlin. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
As a portrait of a woman, the piece relies on the translucency and luminosity of the ivory support to enhance the delicate rendering of the sitter's features.
Created in 1844, John Carlin's Portrait of a Lady is executed as a watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of miniature portraiture. The work measures 8.7 inches in height and 7 inches in width, reflecting the intimate scale typical of the genre. As a portrait of a woman, the piece relies on the translucency and luminosity of the ivory support to enhance the delicate rendering of the sitter's features.
The classification within the American Wing highlights its status as a significant example of mid-nineteenth-century American art. The application of watercolor on this specific substrate requires precise handling to achieve the subtle tonal transitions and fine detail associated with Carlin's style.
History & Provenance
John Carlin painted Portrait of a Lady in 1844 using watercolor on ivory, a work classified as a portrait depicting a woman. The piece is part of The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been held in the museum's collection since its creation. Its inception date is recorded as 1844‑01‑01, and the painting measures 8.7 × 7 cm. The work remains in the Met's collection, reflecting a continuous ownership history from the artist to the museum.
The watercolor portrait titled Portrait of a Lady, created by John Carlin in 1844, is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work is classified under The American Wing of the museum. While the specific inventory or accession number is not provided in the available records, the piece is documented as part of the permanent collection located at the institution.
The source material does not contain details regarding a specific exhibition history for this artwork, nor does it list previous locations or loan records. The portrait, measuring 8.7 by 7 units, depicts a woman and remains a part of the museum's holdings focused on American art from the mid-nineteenth century.
Overview
John Carlin, an American artist recognized as the first published deaf poet in the United States, created this Portrait of a Lady in 1844. Executed in watercolor on ivory, this miniature work captures the likeness of an unidentified woman. It reflects the artistic trends of British Romanticism, a movement that emphasized emotion and individualism. This small-scale painting offers a glimpse into 19th-century portraiture and Carlin's diverse artistic practice.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a woman in a dark dress, her gaze directed outward. A bright lace collar provides a contrast against the deeper tones of her attire, drawing attention to her face. As a miniature, this portrait served a practical purpose before the advent of photography, allowing individuals to carry intimate likenesses of family or loved ones. The directness of her expression invites a personal connection with the viewer.
Context
Before photographic technology became widespread, miniature portraits like this one were highly valued as portable mementos. They offered a way for people to keep images of absent family members or romantic partners close at hand. These small, intimate works were often housed in lockets or small cases, serving as personal tokens of affection and remembrance, a significant aspect of 19th-century social customs.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Carlin (15 May or 15 June 1813 in Philadelphia – 23 April 1891 in New York City) was an American illustrator, painter and poet. He was the first published deaf poet in the USA.
- Portrait of a Lady
Tabitha Grace, gwraig John Rchrd Roberts
Charlotte Bartholin
Cathrine Jensen, née Lorenzen, the Artist's Wife
Charlotte Bartholin
Cathrine Jensen, née Lorenzen, the Artist's Wife
Portrait of a Woman
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