Portrait of Mrs. M. G. Trow

Datepossibly 1852

Attributed to William Matthew Prior (1806-1873)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Danvers or Lynn (possibly)

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 24 x 19 3/4in. (61 x 50.2cm) and Framed: 28 3/8 x 24 7/8in.

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1936.100.13

DescriptionFull-face, 1/2-length portrait of a woman against a grey background. She is wearing a dress shaded in red, blue, and black (to simulate a satin?). Plain in front and snuggly buttoned up the front with yellow and red buttons. There is a ruffled cuff or trim piece at the elbow of sleeves of the dress. A gold chain and drop hangs from one lower button and loop to her side (pocket?). White high collar with red bow at neck. Brown hair parted in middle and worn to side over ears and evidently pulled to back of head. Blue eyes and rosy cheeks. Pearl and gold drop earings. Possibly original 2 1/2-inch gilded cyma recta frame with applied plaster decoration.
Label TextEarly records on this portrait imply that it is signed and dated on the back of the original canvas and that the sitter's age is given as twenty-five, an inscription practice commonly used by Prior. Mrs. Rockefeller purchased and owned briefly a companion portrait of a child identified as Mrs. Trow's daughter Serina, also clearly painted by Prior. Serina Trow is said to have lived in Lynn and Danvers, Massachusetts. Her portrait, now privately owned, shows a view out a window and features personalizing accessories such as a rattle on the floor at her feet. Mrs. Trow's portrait is plain by comparison, its most interesting feature being the manner in which Prior has rendered her silk or taffeta dress in lustrous, almost iridescent colors.
ProvenancePurchased from Bessie J. Howard, Melrose, Mass., by Mrs. Rockefeller. Given to C. W. by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.