Artwork
Mrs. Samuel L. Waldo
Mrs. Samuel L. Waldo is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Samuel Lovett Waldo. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Mrs.
About this work
Technique & Style
The selection of a rigid panel rather than canvas reflects specific material choices common in early nineteenth-century American studio practice.
Executed in 1826, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a wood panel support. The work measures approximately 76.8 by 65.1 centimeters. As a formal likeness of a woman, the piece adheres to traditional portraiture conventions of the period through its medium and composition.
The selection of a rigid panel rather than canvas reflects specific material choices common in early nineteenth-century American studio practice. While the specific handling of the brushwork or current conservation status is not detailed in the available records, the fundamental construction relies on the layering of oil pigments over the prepared wooden surface to achieve the depicted representation.
History & Provenance
Executed in 1826, this oil-on-panel portrait depicts Mrs. Samuel L. Waldo and was created by the artist Samuel Lovett Waldo. Measuring approximately 76.8 by 65.1 centimeters, the piece has been accessioned into the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified within the American Wing. While specific details regarding the original commissioning circumstances or intermediate ownership transfers between 1826 and its museum acquisition are not provided in the available records, the painting's inception date and current institutional custody are well-documented.
Mrs. Samuel L. Waldo is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified within The American Wing. The portrait, painted by Samuel Lovett Waldo in 1826, is documented in the museum's records as an oil-on-panel work measuring 76.8 by 65.1 centimeters. No specific inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history beyond its placement in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection is documented.
Overview
"Mrs. Samuel L. Waldo" is an oil portrait executed around 1826 by the American artist Samuel Lovett Waldo. Rendered on a wood panel, the painting depicts a woman, presumably the artist's spouse, in a seated pose. This work exemplifies Waldo's approach to portraiture during the early 19th century, capturing individual likeness with a focus on personal presence and refined detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is portrayed seated, holding a book, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation or domesticity. Her attire, characteristic of the period, includes carefully rendered details such as her jewelry and the intricate folds of her dress. The woman's expression conveys a sense of calm and gentleness, reflecting an intimate understanding between the artist and sitter, which is often characteristic of portraits within a family context.
Context
As a work housed within the American Wing, this portrait contributes to the understanding of early American art. It offers insight into the artistic practices of Samuel Lovett Waldo, an artist known for his contributions to portraiture in the United States. The painting serves as a representative example of his distinctive style and his ability to capture the character of his subjects.
Artist & collection
Mrs. Alexander Blair
Mrs. Charles Stewart (Delia Tudor)
Miss Jean Christie
Lady Hester King (died 1873)
Mrs Sarah Siddons
Mrs William Urquhart (c.1796–1864)
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (Mrs. Lawrence Lewis)
Matilda Caroline Cruger
Ann Barry
Portrait of a Lady
Lady Maitland (Catherine Connor, died 1865)- Mrs. Thomas Brewster Coolidge