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Profile Portrait of a Young Lady by American 19th Century

American 19th Century · c. 1810/1820

The 'Profile Portrait of a Young Lady' (c. 1810/1820) at the National Gallery of Art is a beautiful enigma. This oil on wood painting captures a woman of the Romantic era, but beyond that, much remains unknown.

Look closely at her elegant attire, particularly the delicate lace collar and the crisp white bonnet adorned with a bright blue ribbon. These details speak to the fashion and sensibilities of the early 19th century, yet they offer no clues to her identity.

The artist, known only as 'American 19th Century,' remains anonymous, as does the sitter. The painting's provenance is not fully documented, leaving us to wonder about the story behind this captivating profile. It’s a quiet testament to the many untold stories held within museum collections.

What do you imagine her story might have been?

Details

We don't know who painted her, only that they were American.
We don't know who painted her, only that they were American.
Her intricate lace collar speaks to the fashion of the era.
Her intricate lace collar speaks to the fashion of the era.
The delicate lace and sheer fabric of the bonnet suggest refinement and fashion of the era.
The delicate lace and sheer fabric of the bonnet suggest refinement and fashion of the era.
The dark, simple dress contrasts with the lighter elements, focusing attention on the face and attire.
The dark, simple dress contrasts with the lighter elements, focusing attention on the face and attire.
Transcript

This woman's portrait, painted around 1810, is a mystery. We don't know who painted her, only that they were American. She wears a delicate white bonnet with a striking blue ribbon. Her intricate lace collar speaks to the fashion of the era. But who she was, and why she was painted, remains unknown.