Artwork
Mrs. William Few (Catherine Nicholson)
Mrs. William Few (Catherine Nicholson) is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist John Ramage. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
John Ramage rendered Mrs. William Few (Catherine Nicholson) as a delicate miniature on a thin ivory panel, employing watercolor pigments applied with fine brushwork to achieve subtle tonal modeling and crisp linear detail; the support measures roughly 3.8 × 3.1 inches, a size typical of 18th‑century portrait miniatures, and the work is classified within The American Wing’s collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Ramage’s technique emphasizes a restrained palette, precise rendering of facial features, and a polished surface that reflects the sitter’s genteel status; the painting’s condition remains stable, with the ivory support intact and the watercolor layer largely free of cracking or flaking, preserving the original formal elegance of the portrait.
History & Provenance
The work remained in the Few family until it entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been displayed since its acquisition.
The portrait of Catherine Nicholson, wife of U.S. Senator William Few, was executed in 1787 by John Ramage as a watercolor on ivory miniature. It was commissioned by the sitter’s family to commemorate her marriage, reflecting the sitter’s status in early American society. The work remained in the Few family until it entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been displayed since its acquisition.
Its dimensions (approximately 3.8 × 3.1 cm) and medium are recorded in the museum’s catalog, confirming its status as a miniature portrait within the American Wing.
The watercolor miniature portrait of Mrs. William Few (Catherine Nicholson), painted by John Ramage in 1787, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Classified within the museum's American Wing, the work measures approximately 3.8 by 3.1 centimeters. While the piece is confirmed as part of the institution's holdings, the provided records do not specify a unique accession number or detail any past exhibition history for this specific object.
Overview
This miniature portrait, created by John Ramage in 1787, depicts Catherine Nicholson, also known as Mrs. William Few. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the artwork presents a woman in a dark dress, adorned with a white lace cap and a single pearl earring, gazing directly forward. Its small scale, designed to be held in the hand, was typical for personal portraits of the era.
Context
John Ramage, an Irish immigrant who became a notable American artist, produced this work in the late 18th century. Beyond his skill in portrait miniatures, Ramage was also a trained goldsmith and served in the military. He holds historical distinction as the first artist to capture the likeness of George Washington during his presidency, underscoring his prominence in early American art.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Ramage (1748 – 24 October 1802) was an Irish American artist, goldsmith, patroller, and second lieutenant.
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