Artwork
Mrs. Alexander Blair
Mrs. Alexander Blair is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist George Romney. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Alexander Blair is executed in oil paint on a plain woven canvas support, a typical medium for Romney’s late‑career portraits.
Mrs. Alexander Blair is executed in oil paint on a plain woven canvas support, a typical medium for Romney’s late‑career portraits. The paint is applied in smooth, blended layers that model the sitter’s flesh and the delicate textures of her attire, reflecting Romney’s refined handling of oil to achieve subtle gradations of tone and a soft, luminous surface. The canvas is primed with a light ground, allowing the oil colors to retain their brilliance. No information on the painting’s current condition or specific stylistic comparisons is provided in the sources.
History & Provenance
The portrait was commissioned by Alexander Blair and painted in 1787 by George Romney.
It remained at Castle Bromwich, Warwickshire, the sitter’s husband’s estate, until passing by descent to William Beckett-Denison. By 1903 it was sold at Christie’s, London (23 May, lot 80), then acquired by Charles Sedelmeyer in Paris. It passed to Eugene Fischhof before being purchased on 4 April 1907 by P. A. B. Widener for Lynnewood Hall, Pennsylvania.
After Widener’s death, the work entered the estate and was gifted in 1942 to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., through Joseph E. Widener’s power of appointment.
The portrait Mrs. Alexander Blair by George Romney is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it was accessioned in 1942 as a gift from Joseph E. Widener. Prior to its arrival at the NGA, the work was part of the estate of Peter A.B. Widener at Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Its provenance traces back to the sitter's husband, Alexander Blair, before passing through the Beckett-Denison family and being sold at Christie's in London in 1903.
The painting later entered the Parisian gallery of Charles Sedelmeyer before being acquired by Eugene Fischhof and subsequently by P.A.B. Widener in 1907. No specific exhibition history is detailed in the provided sources.
Overview
George Romney completed this oil on canvas portrait, titled Mrs. Alexander Blair, in 1788. The work depicts a seated woman, identified as Mrs. Alexander Blair, rendered with a focus on her attire and composed setting. This piece exemplifies Romney's characteristic approach to portraiture during the late 18th century, capturing the sitter's presence through a blend of detailed observation and a controlled palette.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents Mrs. Alexander Blair seated, her light-brown, curly hair framing her face. She is attired in a white dress, distinguished by a bow at the waist and ruffled sleeves, which contrasts with the expansive, dark hat she wears. A rich red curtain serves as a backdrop, providing a sense of depth and formality to the composition. The artist emphasizes the textures and forms of her fashionable dress and accessories.
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Artist & collection
Artist
George Romney (26 December 1734 – 15 November 1802) was an English painter. He was the most fashionable artist of his day, painting many leading society figures – including his artistic muse, Emma Hamilton, mistress of Lord Nelson.
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