Who painted Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge)?

Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge) was painted by John Wood Dodge in 1836.

Where can I see Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge)?

Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge)?

Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge) is associated with American Folk Art.

Artwork

Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge)

John Wood Dodge , 1836

Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge) is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist John Wood Dodge. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This miniature portrait, titled Mrs.

About this work

Technique & Style

Stylistically, the piece reflects the restrained realism and delicate brushwork characteristic of portrait miniatures of the period.

The portrait of Mary Louise Dodge, painted by John Wood Dodge in 1836, is executed in watercolor on a thin ivory support. The work measures approximately 12.1 cm in height by 9.2 cm in width. The surface shows a fine, translucent wash with subtle tonal gradations that model the sitter's features, while the limited palette emphasizes soft pinks and muted blues. Stylistically, the piece reflects the restrained realism and delicate brushwork characteristic of portrait miniatures of the period.

History & Provenance

The portrait is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is catalogued as accession 1975.1.204. First recorded in the museum's holdings in 1975, the miniature entered the collection through purchase. No exhibition history is documented in the available records.

Overview

This miniature portrait, titled Mrs. John Wood Dodge (Mary Louise Dodge), was created by John Wood Dodge in 1836. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the artwork depicts a woman, Mary Louise Dodge, presented in a direct gaze with her hands composed in her lap. Its small scale, designed to fit within the palm, reflects a common format for personal portraits during the period.

Subject & Meaning

Mary Louise Dodge is depicted in a dark dress, her posture composed with hands folded in her lap. She engages the viewer directly with her gaze, a common convention in portraiture intended to establish a personal connection. The intimate scale of the work suggests it was likely intended for private viewing, perhaps as a cherished memento or a personal display of affection.

Mrs. John A. Brown (Grace Brown), Anna Claypoole Peale

Artist & collection

Artist

John Wood Dodge

John Wood Dodge (1807–1893) was an artist, born in New York City.

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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