Who painted Catherine Brower?

Catherine Brower was painted by MacKay in 1791.

Where can I see Catherine Brower?

Catherine Brower is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Catherine Brower?

Catherine Brower is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Catherine Brower?

Museum-quality prints of Catherine Brower are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Catherine Brower by MacKay (1791) · Meaning, Museum & Prints

Inscription: Inscribed:on face of pedestal: Mackay Pinxt. [1]791

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a young woman identified as Catherine Brower, rendered in oil on canvas in 1791.

The painting shows a young woman identified as Catherine Brower, rendered in oil on canvas in 1791. She is presented as an idealized portrait subject without overt symbolic attributes, suggesting a focus on personal likeness rather than allegorical or narrative meaning. The work entered the National Gallery of Art collection in 1956 as a gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, having previously been held by the Old Print Shop in New York and acquired from the estate of Harry Shaw Newman. Its dimensions measure 115.6 cm in height and 70.2 cm in width.

The composition lacks explicit iconography or symbolic objects, reflecting the transitional nature of late‑18th‑century American portraiture where sitters were often depicted with an emphasis on realism and status rather than allegorical content. The lack of documented symbolic elements indicates that the painting's meaning is rooted in its representation of the sitter's identity and social standing within the early American elite.

The portrait thus functions as both a personal record and a subtle statement of cultural refinement, aligning with the broader neoclassical aesthetic that valued clarity, balance, and the dignified portrayal of individuals. Its provenance underscores a continuous ownership chain from Connecticut to major American art institutions, reinforcing its significance within the historical narrative of early American art.

Technique & Style

The portrait is painted in oil on a canvas support measuring 115.6 cm in height and 70.2 cm in width. Executed in 1791, the handling reflects the conventions of late-eighteenth-century American portraiture, with smooth, blended modeling of the face and crisp delineation of costume details such as the sitter’s lace collar and dark dress. The composition centers on a three-quarter-length figure posed against a neutral background, emphasizing clarity and formal reserve typical of the period. No evidence of significant later repainting or structural damage is recorded in the provenance documentation.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Catherine Brower was created by the artist MacKay in 1791. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 115.6 cm in height and 70.2 cm in width. Its early history is recorded as originating from Connecticut.

The painting was later handled by Harry Shaw Newman of the Old Print Shop in New York, who sold it in 1948 to Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch. In 1956, the Garbisch couple gifted the artwork to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it remains part of the collection.

The portrait is held by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., accessioned as 1956.8.1. It was previously with Old Print Shop, New York, from whom it was acquired in 1948 by Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, who later donated it to the Gallery in 1956.

Its exhibition history prior to 1948 is not recorded in the cited sources.

Legacy

The work’s legacy is anchored in its inclusion in the National Gallery of Art’s collection, where it has been accessible to the public since its 1956 donation. Its provenance through the Old Print Shop in New York and subsequent acquisition by the Garbisches underscores a documented chain of ownership that highlights its significance within American art circles. The painting’s authorship by MacKay has been recognized in scholarly references, contributing to the broader understanding of early American portraiture.

Overview

Catherine Brower, executed in oil on canvas in 1791, presents a young girl positioned before a table. She holds a bouquet of flowers in her right hand, wears a white dress accented with a blue sash, and red shoes. Behind her, a tranquil landscape unfolds, featuring trees under a clear blue sky, establishing a calm visual setting.