An Unidentified Lady Wearing a Green Dress with Jewelry
Artist
John Samuel Blunt
(American, 1798–1835)
Dateabout 1831
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 83.8 × 69.9 cm (33 × 27 1/2 in.)
framed: 106.4 × 94 cm (41 7/8 × 37 in.)
framed: 106.4 × 94 cm (41 7/8 × 37 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Barbara and David Krashes
Object number2010.31
Label TextIn the first half of the 19th century, most traveling artists rarely signed their portraits, making attributions difficult to confirm today. Based on comparisons and discoveries from x-radiography, this painting reflects the work of either John Samuel Blunt or Edwin Plummer. Both men, who worked in Massachusetts during the 1830s, rendered naturalistic likenesses of their patrons. The subject here is fashionably dressed with leg-of-mutton sleeves, plaited hair, and gold jewelry that show off her wealth and refinement. With its crisp style and ornamental detail, the portrait offers insight into the lifestyle of merchant and middle-class society in early 19th-century New England.
ProvenancePurchased in 1930 by Mrs. Philemon Truesdale, Fall River, MA; descended through family; purchased at Skinner Auctioneers, Boston, MA, American Furniture & Decorative Arts (Sale 2494, lot 86), March 7, 2010, by Barbara and David Krashes, Princeton, MA; given as gift to the Museum.On View
On view
