Artwork
Mrs. Ralph Izard (Alice De Lancey, 1746/47–1832)
Mrs. Ralph Izard (Alice De Lancey, 1746/47–1832) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Thomas Gainsborough. It dates from 1767 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This oil portrait, Mrs.
About this work
A woman with light brown hair styled high wears a pale, low-necked dress and a pearl necklace, a single pink rose in her hand. Gainsborough set her against a dark ground so the soft light on her face carries the picture. Oil, 1767.
History & Provenance
While the source confirms the painting's location within the museum's holdings, it does not provide a specific inventory or accession number for the piece.
The portrait was commissioned in 1767 by Ralph Izard, a wealthy American merchant and planter, to commemorate his wife Alice De Lancey Izard. Thomas Gainsborough painted the work in oil on canvas that same year. The portrait remained in the Izard family for several generations before entering the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it has been held since at least the mid-20th century.
The portrait of Mrs. Ralph Izard, painted by Thomas Gainsborough in 1767, is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artwork, an oil on canvas measuring 76.8 by 63.8 centimeters, depicts Alice De Lancey Izard. While the source confirms the painting's location within the museum's holdings, it does not provide a specific inventory or accession number for the piece.
Furthermore, the available documentation does not list any exhibition history or past display dates for this specific work.
Overview
This oil portrait, Mrs. Ralph Izard (Alice De Lancey, 1746/47–1832), was created by the English artist Thomas Gainsborough in 1767. As a prominent figure in 18th-century British art, Gainsborough was celebrated for both his portraiture and landscape paintings. This work captures Alice De Lancey Izard, a member of a notable colonial American family, reflecting the artistic trends of its era.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features Alice De Lancey Izard, depicted with light brown hair styled high and a pale, elegant dress adorned with a pearl necklace. In her left hand, she delicately holds a small bouquet containing a single pink rose. Her attire, while appearing simple, conveys a refined sensibility.
Gainsborough emphasized the softness of her complexion and the subtle play of light across her features, presenting a dignified image of the sitter.
Technique & Style
Gainsborough's approach in this portrait aligns with the Rococo movement, characterized by its luminous color scheme and dynamic brushstrokes. The artist employs a dark background, which effectively highlights Mrs. Izard's face and figure, creating a strong visual contrast. This technique, reminiscent of chiaroscuro, draws attention to the delicate rendering of her skin and the way light illuminates her form, contributing to the painting's overall graceful effect.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Gainsborough (; 14 May 1727 (baptised) – 2 August 1788) was an English painter, draughtsman and printmaker who specialised in portrait and landscape painting.
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