Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Nathaniel Plimer in 1795-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Nathaniel Plimer , 1798

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the Neoclassicist artist Nathaniel Plimer. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The formal quality is defined by its intimate scale and function as a personal likeness, characteristic of Plimer's output during the late eighteenth century.

Created in 1795, this work is classified as a portrait miniature by the British artist Nathaniel Plimer. As a miniature, the piece adheres to the traditional conventions of the genre, which typically involve the use of watercolor on ivory or vellum, though the specific support material is not detailed in the provided records. The formal quality is defined by its intimate scale and function as a personal likeness, characteristic of Plimer's output during the late eighteenth century.

The painting is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1941.562.2.

History & Provenance

Nathaniel Plimer painted Portrait of a Woman in 1795, a small oil on canvas portrait that qualifies as a miniature within the portrait genre. The work remained in the artist’s native England until it entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it has been displayed since its acquisition. No record of a specific commission survives, but the painting’s creation is documented by contemporary catalogues and the museum’s provenance files, which trace its ownership from Plimer to the museum’s holdings. Its dating is confirmed by the museum’s accession records, which list the inception date as 1795.

Overview

Nathaniel Plimer's "Portrait of a Woman," created in 1798, captures an unidentified female sitter in a small, oval format. The painting emphasizes a direct and focused portrayal, presenting the subject with a composed demeanor and specific attire. This work is a notable example of late 18th-century portraiture and is held within the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, offering insight into the period's artistic conventions.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman with curly gray hair arranged in an updo, accented by a white headband. She is dressed in a white gown featuring delicate lace details, reflecting contemporary fashion. Her expression is neutral, inviting contemplation rather than conveying a specific emotion.

This unadorned presentation allows the viewer to engage directly with the sitter's presence and the artist's objective rendering.