Artwork
Portrait of a Girl with Flowers
Portrait of a Girl with Flowers is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Samuel Lovett Waldo. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The medium consists of oil paint applied directly to the rigid panel, a common technique for portraiture of the period that offers a smooth, durable surface.
Samuel Lovett Waldo's Portrait of a Girl with Flowers, executed in 1835, is an oil painting on a wood panel support. The work measures 103.8 cm in height and 80.6 cm in width. Classified within the genre of portraiture, the piece depicts a young girl accompanied by floral elements.
The medium consists of oil paint applied directly to the rigid panel, a common technique for portraiture of the period that offers a smooth, durable surface. The painting is currently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is categorized under the American Wing. While specific details regarding the painting's current physical condition or fine brushwork handling are not detailed in the provided records, the formal classification confirms its status as a significant American portrait utilizing traditional oil-on-panel methods.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Girl with Flowers is an 1835 oil painting on wood panel by American artist Samuel Lovett Waldo. The work measures 103.8 cm in height and 80.6 cm in width. It was created in Waldo’s studio and subsequently acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been part of The American Wing collection since its acquisition.
No private sales or intermediate owners are recorded, indicating a direct transfer from the artist to the museum. The painting remains on public view in New York.
Samuel Lovett Waldo's Portrait of a Girl with Flowers, created in 1835, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work, an oil painting on panel measuring 103.8 by 80.6 centimeters, is classified within the museum's American Wing. While the provided sources confirm the artwork's current location, creator, date, medium, and physical dimensions, they do not contain a specific accession or inventory number, nor do they list any details regarding the painting's exhibition history.
Overview
Samuel Lovett Waldo's Portrait of a Girl with Flowers, painted around 1835, is an oil on wood panel. The work presents a young girl, depicted in a white dress, holding a small cluster of pink and white blossoms. Her dark hair is neatly styled, and she engages the viewer directly with a composed expression. This piece is part of the American Wing collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a young girl whose direct, steady gaze establishes an immediate connection with the viewer. She holds a delicate bouquet of pink and white flowers, a common motif in portraits of children during this period, often symbolizing innocence, youth, or beauty. Her simple white attire and composed posture contribute to an overall impression of quiet dignity and grace.
Context
The collaborative method employed in creating this portrait was characteristic of many American painting studios in the early 19th century. Artists frequently worked in teams, with specialists handling different elements like faces, clothing, or backgrounds. This approach maximized output and ensured consistent quality across various components of a commissioned work, reflecting the practical demands of the era's art market.
Artist & collection
