Who painted Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring)?

Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) was painted by John Russell in 1801-01-01.

Where can I see Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring)?

Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring)?

Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring)?

Museum-quality prints of Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring)

John Russell , 1801

Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist John Russell. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts Mrs.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Together, these elements present Ann Manwaring as a woman of means and respectability, portrayed with the accessories expected of her class and era.

The portrait depicts Ann Manwaring, identified as Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr., rendered as a sitter in a formal portrait composition. According to the documented iconographic elements, she is shown as a woman adorned with several accessories: a shawl draped around her shoulders, a bow, a cap, and lace trim. She is also depicted holding a snuffbox.

These attributes collectively convey the sitter's social standing and fashionability in the early nineteenth century, with the lace and shawl signaling refinement and the snuffbox functioning as a marker of genteel adult status. The combination of headwear, decorative bow, and lacework situates the subject within the conventions of genteel female portraiture of the period, while the snuffbox adds a personal, period-specific detail of domestic custom. Together, these elements present Ann Manwaring as a woman of means and respectability, portrayed with the accessories expected of her class and era.

History & Provenance

John Russell executed the portrait of Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr. (Ann Manwaring) in 1801. The work was created as a painting within the portrait genre. Following its creation, the piece entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located.

The inception of the artwork is specifically recorded as January 1, 1801. No further details regarding the original commission, intermediate ownership transfers, or specific provenance history prior to its current museum holding are provided in the available records.

Overview

This painting depicts Mrs. Robert Shurlock Sr., identified as Ann Manwaring. The portrait captures a woman of apparent social standing, emphasizing her attire and accessories. The artist employs distinct visual techniques to highlight her presence against a subdued backdrop, drawing the viewer's attention to her features and the intricate details of her dress.

Technique & Style

The artist demonstrates a keen attention to detail, particularly in rendering the textures of the lace collar and the hat, imbuing them with a tangible, three-dimensional quality. A dark, unadorned background serves to create a strong contrast, making the woman's face and clothing visually prominent. This dramatic interplay of light and shadow, which enhances the figure's presence, is characteristic of a style known as chiaroscuro.