Artwork
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The composition focuses entirely on the depiction of a single female subject, adhering to the conventions of portraiture from this period.
Created in 1840, this portrait is executed in watercolor on an ivory support. The work is characterized by its diminutive scale, measuring approximately 3.8 by 3 centimeters. As a miniature, the piece utilizes the translucency of watercolor pigments applied to the smooth, hard surface of the ivory to achieve a delicate finish typical of the genre.
The composition focuses entirely on the depiction of a single female subject, adhering to the conventions of portraiture from this period. The artist remains unidentified, yet the handling of the medium demonstrates the technical precision required for such small-scale works intended for close viewing.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Lady is a watercolor on ivory dated 1840, classified within The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession 2006.235.245). The work is attributed to an anonymous hand, reflecting the typical anonymity of many early American portrait miniatures. Its inception is recorded as 1840, and it portrays a woman, consistent with its genre as a portrait.
The piece entered the museum’s collection in the early twenty‑first century, becoming part of the institution’s decorative arts holdings. No documentation indicates a specific commission or patron, and the creator’s identity remains unidentified.
Overview
Titled Portrait of a Lady, this artwork is a watercolor rendered on an ivory support. It presents a woman in a dark dress, depicted with meticulous detail on a small scale, characteristic of miniature portraiture. The choice of ivory as a surface imparts a luminous quality to the colors, contributing to the subject's vibrant appearance despite the artwork's diminutive size. This piece is housed within The American Wing collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, an unidentified woman, is depicted in a dark dress, her gaze directly engaging the viewer. Her attire features a finely rendered lace collar, painted with such delicacy that the underlying ivory support is visible, underscoring the artist's technical proficiency. Subtle gold earrings reflect light, adding a refined detail to her composed expression. The directness of her gaze establishes an immediate and personal connection with the sitter.
Artist & collection
