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Persis Blair by Laura Coombs Hills

Laura Coombs Hills · 1901-01-01

Painted in 1901 by American artist Laura Coombs Hills, *Persis Blair* is a charming portrait of a young girl. This delicate work exemplifies Hills's skill in capturing delicate likenesses, using an American Impressionist style on a miniature scale.

Observe Persis Blair's youthful innocence, from the pink bow in her red hair to the soft white lace of her dress and pearl necklace. Hills used gentle shadows and subtle transitions of light to define her features, avoiding harsh outlines for a lifelike quality.

Laura Coombs Hills (1859-1952) was a prominent artist recognized for her watercolors, pastels, and especially miniature portraits on ivory. She was a pioneering figure in the field, becoming the first miniature painter elected to the Society of American Artists and co-founding the American Society of Miniature Painters. Her work elevated miniature painting to a respected art form in the United States. This piece is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Her contributions extended beyond portraiture, as she also illustrated children's books. What details do you find most striking in this small, intimate portrait?

Details

Laura Coombs Hills was a pioneer in miniature painting.
Laura Coombs Hills was a pioneer in miniature painting.
Her style was American Impressionist, capturing light and shadow softly.
Her style was American Impressionist, capturing light and shadow softly.
The deep, textured frame encloses the miniature portrait, emphasizing its preciousness and creating a sense of intimacy.
The deep, textured frame encloses the miniature portrait, emphasizing its preciousness and creating a sense of intimacy.
Transcript

This young girl, Persis Blair, was painted in 1901. Laura Coombs Hills was a pioneer in miniature painting. She was the first miniature painter elected to the Society of American Artists. Her style was American Impressionist, capturing light and shadow softly. Notice her delicate features and the gentle shadows. Hills avoided harsh outlines for a delicate, lifelike quality.