Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Stylistically, the piece relies on subtle color modulation to suggest flesh and fabric, reflecting the genteel aesthetic of its era.
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor executed on a thin ivory support, dating to 1835. The work belongs to The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession 2000.452.3) and measures roughly 7.9 × 6.4 cm. It portrays a solitary woman in a conventional portrait format, employing soft tonal transitions and delicate line work typical of early-19th-century American portraiture. The medium's sensitivity requires careful handling to avoid cracking of the ivory ground and fading of pigments.
Stylistically, the piece relies on subtle color modulation to suggest flesh and fabric, reflecting the genteel aesthetic of its era.
History & Provenance
The work titled Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor on ivory dated 1835, measuring 7.9 × 6.4 cm, classified as a portrait within The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession 2000.452.3). It is attributed to an anonymous hand, as recorded in the museum's catalogue. The piece entered the museum's collection through a documented acquisition.
No specific commissioning details or earlier ownership records are available in the sources, and the work continues to be exhibited as part of the museum's portrait genre holdings.
Overview
This small-scale artwork, titled Portrait of a Lady, depicts an unidentified woman gazing directly forward. She wears a dark dress, likely black, accented by a bright lace collar that contrasts with the fabric. Her hair is styled away from her face, which maintains a composed expression. The intimate size of the painting suggests it was intended for personal appreciation rather than public display.
Context
Miniature portraits, such as this example, gained considerable popularity during a period when personal keepsakes were highly valued. Their diminutive size made them ideal for carrying as mementos or incorporating into jewelry, allowing individuals to keep images of loved ones close at hand. This form of portraiture served as a private, intimate art form, distinct from larger, more formal painted canvases.
Artist & collection
