Artwork
Mrs. McKinley
Mrs. McKinley is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Thomas Seir Cummings. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
McKinley in 1840 as a watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of American miniature portraiture in the early nineteenth century.
Thomas Seir Cummings executed Mrs. McKinley in 1840 as a watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of American miniature portraiture in the early nineteenth century. The work measures 7 by 5.8 centimeters, an intimate scale typical of portrait miniatures designed for personal keepsakes. The ivory support provided a luminous, smooth surface that allowed for fine detail and subtle tonal gradations.
As a portrait in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, the piece exemplifies Cummings's refined handling of watercolor to achieve delicate facial modeling and elegant presentation.
History & Provenance
The watercolor on ivory portrait titled Mrs. McKinley was executed by Thomas Seir Cummings in 1840. Classified as a genre portrait depicting a woman, the work measures approximately 7 by 5.8 centimeters. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically within its American Wing.
The specific circumstances regarding the original commission or the identity of the sitter beyond her surname are not detailed in the available records.
Overview
Thomas Seir Cummings created this watercolor portrait, titled Mrs. McKinley, around 1840. Rendered on ivory, the small artwork depicts a woman, her features softly illuminated against a light background. This delicate piece is characteristic of the miniature portraits popular in the American Wing's collection during the mid-19th century, offering an intimate glimpse into the period's artistic practices and social customs.
Subject & Meaning
This intimate portrait presents a woman in a dark dress, her face gently highlighted. Unlike larger paintings intended for public display, miniatures like Mrs. McKinley were typically personal objects. They were often designed to be held, worn as jewelry, or kept in small cases, serving as private mementos or tokens of affection. Their small scale and delicate execution underscored their personal significance to the owner.
Artist & collection
