Unidentified Woman with Flowers

Periodca. 1840 - 1850

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions32.25 × 27.25 in. (81.9 × 69.2 cm)

ClassificationsPortraits

Credit LineBequest of Marion E. Smith, 1970

Object number1983.549

DescriptionMiddle aged woman facing right in a black dress with lace collar, lace cuffs, and a long gold watch chain suspended around her neck. She is seated in a red upholstered easy chair, and is holding a bouquet of flowers.
Curatorial RemarksThe artist of this folk portrait captured an engaging likeness of his subject. She is shown seated in a red-upholstered armchair, holding a bouquet of flowers. The only information we have about the sitter is that she may have come from Smithtown, Long Island. The gold chain and rings testify to her social standing in her community. The unusual white and gilded frame is original to the painting. The donor was the daughter of Henry H. R. Smith (1833-ca. 1895) and his wife Mary A. (1840-1930) of Orangetown, Rockland County, NY. That information may one day provide a clue to who is depicted in this portrait.

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