Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The Portrait of a Lady (1785) is executed in watercolor on ivory, a medium and support characteristic of late-eighteenth-century miniature portraiture.
The Portrait of a Lady (1785) is executed in watercolor on ivory, a medium and support characteristic of late-eighteenth-century miniature portraiture. The work measures 5.4 by 4.4 centimeters, indicating a small-scale, intimate format typical of ivory-mounted miniatures from this period. Watercolor on ivory allowed for delicate tonal gradations and fine detail, requiring precise handling due to the non-absorbent, smooth surface of the ivory support.
The artist exploited these properties to achieve subtle modeling of the sitter's features. The diminutive dimensions suggest the portrait was designed for personal, handheld viewing rather than public display. No specific information about the work's current condition is provided in the available sources.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor on ivory dating to 1785, attributed to an anonymous hand and catalogued within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing under the portrait genre. The work portrays an unidentified woman and measures approximately 5.4 by 4.4 centimeters. It entered the museum's collection under accession number 29.134.2.
No record of a specific commission or subsequent private owners is documented, and the available records do not list past exhibitions or loan history for this object.
Overview
This miniature, titled Portrait of a Lady, presents a woman in a white dress accented by a blue sash. Rendered in watercolor on ivory, the artwork's small dimensions are characteristic of portraits intended for personal possession. The sitter's hair is styled high, and she holds a single pink rose, meeting the viewer's gaze directly. This piece is housed within the American Wing collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a woman with an elegant bearing, her attire consisting of a white dress and a prominent blue sash. Her hair is intricately styled, and she delicately holds a pink rose, adding a touch of grace to her presentation. Such intimate portraits often functioned as cherished keepsakes, allowing individuals to carry the likeness of a loved one, a purpose underscored by the sitter's direct and engaging gaze.
Context
Miniature portraits, typically small enough to be worn as jewelry or carried in a locket, were a prevalent art form, especially popular for their portability and personal significance. The choice of ivory as a support for watercolor was a defining characteristic of these works, offering a delicate ground that suited their intimate scale. This particular piece reflects the tradition of such personal mementos.
Artist & collection
