Description
Mary’s modest and contemplative demeanor is a counterpoint to a rather elaborate ensemble consisting of a gown embroidered with gold flower sprigs, trimmed with lace and pearls, and tied with a gold sash, as well as a gold-striped veil and a bracelet with eight gold bands. Gainsborough’s compact oval format and the sitter’s informal pose lend this portrait an air of intimacy.
Provenance
Mrs. Henry Christopher Wise (née Mary Wathen) [born 1751] by descent to her great-granddaughter, Catherine Waller (around 1776-?); Catherine [1804-1861] and Sir Thomas Wathen Waller, 2nd Bt [1805-1892], by descent to their grandson, Sir Francis Grant Waller (?-1892); Sir Francis Grant Waller, 4th Bt, sold to Agnew (1892-1910); (Agnew, London, sold to Duveen) (1910); (Duveen, through Romer Williams) (1910); (F. Kleinberger Galleries, New York, NY) (?); (Duveen) (1913); Elizabeth Severance Prentiss Allen [1865-1944], Cleveland, OH, bequeathed by her to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?-1944); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1944-)
Accession Number
1944.82
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
Unframed: 76.2 x 63.6 cm (30 x 25 1/16 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Collection
