Name/Title
Miniature Portrait of a WomanContext
This miniature portrait on ivory depicts the three-quarter profile of an unknown woman in an ornate gold frame in the Louis XVI style.
The refined palette of silver and grey heightened by touches of blue (eyes and ribbons) against the dark backdrop accords elegance to the subject. The dress of the sitter is a late 18th century or early 19th century morning dress. The miniature is in the style of the portraits of the American painter Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828). Indeed, the ruff collar of the gown is very similar to the collar in a Stuart portrait depicting “Mary Campbell Stuart” (c. 1815, Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio).
The miniature is signed “Turner 1789”. The author could be the Irish born portrait painter James Turner (ca. 1745-1806) who was active in England. In London, he exhibited portraits and miniatures at the Society of Artists from 1761 to 1783. He was a member of the Society when it was incorporated in 1765 and its director in 1772.Acquisition
Accession
2000.01Source or Donor
Robert E. and Millicent Louise McDonaldAcquisition Method
Gift