Portrait of a Woman

Description

As a child, Anna Claypoole Peale observed her father James Peale painting miniature portraits and practiced alongside him. She eventually rivaled his success and became one of the leading portrait miniaturists in American during the 1800s. The sitter’s identity is unknown, but her likeness has been skillfully rendered to emphasize her rosy cheeks, pale skin, and red lips. This object was likely gifted as a sentimental memento to a loved one.

Provenance

Carol Smurthwaite or Ari Biltmore, Phoenix Arizona; Muriel Butkin [purchased prior to 1969].; Estate of Muriel Butkin (2008 )

Portrait of a Woman

Anna Claypoole Peale

1820

Accession Number

2008.229

Medium

watercolor on ivory on a gilt metal locket with red leather case

Dimensions

Framed: 7.1 x 6 cm (2 13/16 x 2 3/8 in.)

Classification

Portrait Miniature

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of Muriel Butkin