Portrait of a Lady by American 19th Century
This "Portrait of a Lady," painted around 1825 by an American artist whose name is now lost to history, captures a moment of elegant fashion and refined painting technique.
Notice the intricate lace of her bonnet and collar, and the deep blue of her silk dress. The artist's skillful use of glazes, thin, translucent layers of paint, creates a luminous depth in her skin and the rich texture of her clothing.
Despite the artist's anonymity, this painting is recognized for its high quality and its value as a historical document of early 19th-century American portraiture. It was acquired by the National Gallery of Art in 1947.
What details do you find most striking in this elegant portrait?
Details
Transcript
She sits for an artist unknown today. But the quality of the brushwork is clear. Layers of glaze give her skin a warm glow. Her period fashion helps date the work to 1825. This painting proves the artist's technical skill. It sold for a price you might not expect.