Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting by the British Romanticist artist John Robinson. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1998.245
- Credit line
- Dale T. Johnson Fund, 1998
About this work
Overview
This miniature portrait by John Robinson, created in 1822, captures the likeness of an unidentified woman. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the small-scale work exemplifies a popular form of portraiture during the early 19th century. It offers a direct and intimate depiction, characteristic of personal keepsakes from the period.
Technique & Style
Rendered in delicate watercolor on a thin piece of ivory, this portrait is notable for its miniature scale, roughly the size of a playing card.
Rendered in delicate watercolor on a thin piece of ivory, this portrait is notable for its miniature scale, roughly the size of a playing card. Robinson employed fine, precise strokes to delineate the sitter's features, including rosy cheeks and the subtle shine in her eyes. The inherent luminosity of the ivory surface contributes to the lifelike quality of the skin, contrasting with the soft washes of her dark dress and bright lace collar.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents a woman in a dark dress, her lace collar providing a bright accent. She gazes directly forward, her expression conveying a quiet intimacy with a faint smile. These small, personal images often served as cherished mementos, carried by individuals in lockets or cases, much like photographs today, to keep loved ones close.
Artist & collection
Artist
British artist John Robinson painted tiny portraits on ivory and polished silver salvers between 1744 and 1822.
- Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady
Sarah Ann Beck
Portrait of a Lady
Mary Kellogg
Mrs. Christopher Grant Perry (Frances Sargeant)
Nancy Kellogg
Mrs. Thomas Dillard (Matilda Kuhl)
Mrs. Daniel Parkman (Mary George McDonough)
Henry Larcom Abbot
Portrait of Ane Elisabeth (Elise) Gurlitt, né Saxild (1817-39)
Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge)
