Artwork
Joanna de Silva
Joanna de Silva is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist William Wood. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession-related reference 2020.
Joanna de Silva is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for late eighteenth-century British portraiture. The work is classified as a painting and takes the form of a single-panel portrait of a woman, consistent with the conventions of formal commissioned likenesses of the period. William Wood's handling reflects the restrained, descriptive approach typical of his portrait practice, with the medium suited to the smooth modelling of flesh tones and textile surfaces that the format demands.
The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession-related reference 2020.234.
History & Provenance
The portrait titled Joanna de Silva was created in 1796 by the artist William Wood. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work depicts a female subject. The painting entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 2020.234.
The specific circumstances of its commission and the details of its ownership prior to this acquisition are not provided in the available records.
Overview
William Wood completed the oil painting titled Joanna de Silva in 1796. This work presents a formal portrait of a woman, rendered with a focus on her dignified presence. The painting is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it represents a historical example of portraiture from the late eighteenth century.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Joanna de Silva, a woman characterized by her dark complexion and hair styled away from her face. She is adorned in a white dress and shawl, complemented by a necklace and earrings, which together convey a sense of refinement. Her right hand is gently placed on her lap, contributing to an overall impression of composure and grace within the portrait.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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