Portrait of a Lady

John Alexander McDougall, Portrait of a Lady, 1839, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.25.1
Copied John Alexander McDougall, Portrait of a Lady, 1839, watercolor on ivory, sight 2 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄8 in. (6.8 x 5.4 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.25.1
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a Lady
Artist
Date
1839
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 2 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄8 in. (6.8 x 5.4 cm) oval
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait female — unidentified — waist length
Object Number
1999.27.25.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.25.1

Artwork Description

John Alexander McDougall painted these sitters, possibly a husband and wife, while he was in New Orleans in 1839. The artist used different backgrounds for each painting. The plain background of the gentleman’s portrait complements the blue of his eyes, while the dark trees surrounding the lady emphasize her pale complexion. Conservation of these miniatures was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.