Artwork
Portrait of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne
Portrait of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting presents a formal depiction of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne.
About this work
History & Provenance
While internal records list the artist as unknown, the museum's catalog attributes the piece to Richard Cosway and dates its creation to 1786.
The Portrait of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne was created in 1786. While some records classify the work generally as a painting by an unknown artist, other catalogues attribute the piece to the British miniaturist Richard Cosway, identifying it specifically as a portrait miniature. The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1941, where it is currently held under the accession number 1941.553. The inception of the artwork is consistently dated to 1786 across available records.
The portrait miniature of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The institution identifies the work with the accession number 1941.553. While internal records list the artist as unknown, the museum's catalog attributes the piece to Richard Cosway and dates its creation to 1786. The provided sources do not contain information regarding specific exhibitions in which this work has been displayed.
Overview
This painting presents a formal depiction of Mary Frances (Fanny) Swinburne. The artwork is a portrait, capturing the sitter with light-colored hair and a white dress, set against a simple background. A distinctive blue and white border, adorned with pearls, frames the central image, contributing to the work's decorative quality and formal presentation.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on Mary Frances Swinburne, whose light, curly hair is styled in an elegant updo, complemented by a small headpiece. She wears a white dress, and her gaze is directed towards the right side of the composition, suggesting a thoughtful or engaged expression. The presentation emphasizes her individual features and refined appearance.
Technique & Style
The artist rendered the subject with attention to detail, particularly in her hair and attire. The background is a uniform light blue, providing a subtle contrast to the figure. A prominent blue and white border encircles the portrait, further embellished with a circular arrangement of pearls. This ornate framing element enhances the painting's decorative aspect and formal character.
Artist & collection
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