Artwork
Portrait of Anna Maria Woolf, née Smart
Portrait of Anna Maria Woolf, née Smart is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
While the piece dates to the late eighteenth century, the provided sources do not list specific exhibitions where the miniature has been displayed.
Created in 1793, this portrait miniature depicts Anna Maria Woolf, née Smart. While one internal record lists the artist as unknown, the work is attributed to the British miniaturist John Smart (1741–1811). The piece entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1941.564. The work is dated to 1793.
The portrait miniature is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was created in 1793 by the British artist John Smart. While the piece dates to the late eighteenth century, the provided sources do not list specific exhibitions where the miniature has been displayed.
Overview
This drawing presents a portrait of Anna Maria Woolf, née Smart. The artwork captures the sitter with a calm and gentle demeanor, her gaze steady and a subtle smile gracing her lips. The artist's focus on her facial features and flowing hair creates an intimate portrayal, emphasizing her individual presence.
The piece, rendered on aged paper, suggests a personal and perhaps informal study, offering a direct engagement with the subject.
Subject & Meaning
Anna Maria Woolf is depicted with an air of quiet composure. Her loose, wavy hair softly frames her face, contributing to a natural and unadorned appearance. The artist conveys a sense of inner calm through her steady eyes and the faint smile she holds.
This portrayal highlights her individual character, presenting her not as a formal subject, but rather with an approachable and serene presence.
Technique & Style
The artist employed light pencil strokes to render the portrait, concentrating detail primarily on Anna Maria Woolf's face and the texture of her hair. The background remains plain, allowing the delicate rendering of her features to emerge prominently. The paper itself, appearing aged and slightly yellowed, contributes to the work's overall character, suggesting its passage through time. This selective focus underscores the intimate nature of the sketch.
Artist & collection
