Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting by the British Romanticist artist Samuel Broadbent Jr.. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2005.399
- Credit line
- Purchase, funds various donors, by exchange, 2005
About this work
Technique & Style
As a watercolor on ivory, the piece relies on the translucency of the paint and the smooth, luminous quality of the ivory surface to achieve its formal effects.
Created in 1837 by Samuel Broadbent Jr., this portrait is executed in watercolor on an ivory support. The work is a miniature, measuring approximately 5.7 by 4.8 units, likely inches given the medium and era. As a watercolor on ivory, the piece relies on the translucency of the paint and the smooth, luminous quality of the ivory surface to achieve its formal effects.
The classification as a portrait within The American Wing highlights its role in documenting American artistic production of the early nineteenth century. The small scale and delicate medium necessitate a refined handling of detail, characteristic of miniature painting traditions where the artist must capture the likeness of the female subject with precision on a compact, non-absorbent surface.
History & Provenance
Created in 1837, this watercolor on ivory titled Portrait of a Lady was executed by the American artist Samuel Broadbent Jr. The work depicts a female subject and is classified as a portrait. While specific details regarding the original commission or the full chain of private ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not provided in the available records, the piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art within its American Wing. The physical dimensions of the ivory support are recorded as 5.7 by 4.8 units. The inception date is firmly established as 1837.
Context
Portrait of a Lady (1837) by Samuel Broadbent Jr. is a watercolor on ivory portrait of a woman, listed in the classification of The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work measures 5.7 × 4.8 inches and is recorded in the museum’s collection as part of the early American portrait tradition. Its inclusion reflects the museum’s focus on documenting 19th‑century American artistic practice and provides a documented example of watercolor portraiture from this period.
Overview
Samuel Broadbent Jr. created this "Portrait of a Lady" in 1837. Rendered in watercolor on ivory, this intimate work captures the likeness of an unidentified woman. Its small scale suggests it was intended for personal contemplation, a common format for portraits during the period. The artwork is part of the American Wing collection, reflecting artistic practices of the era.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, an unnamed woman, is depicted in a dark dress, which provides a strong contrast to her bright lace collar. Her direct gaze engages the viewer, creating a sense of immediate connection. The soft background ensures that attention remains focused on her features and expression, characteristic of personal portraits designed to capture an individual's presence.
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Broadbent (1810-1880) was an American portrait painter and photographer. He began his career as a portrait painter and miniaturist in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Dr. Samuel Broadbent, a physician who also…
