Artwork
Portrait of Sukey, Lady Oglander, née Serle
Portrait of Sukey, Lady Oglander, née Serle is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Rococo painting artist John I Smart. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This portrait miniature depicts a woman in a white dress with a blue sash, her powdered hair and pink cheeks rendered in precise detail.
- Accession no.
- 1941.567
- Credit line
- The Edward B. Greene Collection
About this work
Overview
This portrait miniature depicts a woman in a white dress with a blue sash, her powdered hair and pink cheeks rendered in precise detail. The artist, John Smart, was known for his small, delicate works.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is Sukey, Lady Oglander, née Serle. Her identity was lost at some point, leading to the assignment of a fictitious title, 'Duchess of Bourbon', before being rediscovered when inscriptions on the back of the miniature were uncovered.
Technique & Style
The miniature is characterized by its small scale and meticulous execution, employing a style that emphasizes subtlety and detail. The softening of edges, reminiscent of the sfumato technique, contributes to the smooth appearance of the subject's face.
History & Provenance
The portrait descended through the Smirke family after being given to Mary Smirke by the artist's daughter, Sarah. It was likely part of a sketchbook that was broken up and sold at auction in 1928.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Smart (1 May 1741 – 1 May 1811) was an English painter who specialised in portrait miniatures. He was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart, William Wood and Richard Crosse.
