Lady with Lavender Ribbons

Dateca. 1835

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 32 3/4 x 27 5/8in. (83.2 x 70.2cm) and Framed: 38 7/8 x 32 1/8in.

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1941.100.2

DescriptionOil portrait of lady seen seated half-length on black upholstered Empire sofa, with brass tacks. Background is dark brown, and in upper left corner, red drapery is visible. Lady has thin waist and wears black dress, with long leg-o-mutton sleeves which almost cover her hands. Her hands are folded in her lap and her right hand holds a red book with gold letters on the spine. She wears a ring on the right forefinger with a red stone set in square between eight white square stones. She leans slightly against the left arm of the sofa. She wears a delicate lace scarf around her shoulders concealing the neckline of her dress, and white lace cap on her head with long almost transparent lace lavender ribbons tied in a bow below her chin and decorating the top of her bonnet. Her brown hair parted in the center is dressed in tight curls at her temples. Her skin is white and her expression is haughty, with a long narrow nose, almond shaped eyes with an imperious expression in them, and a long face and pursed mouth. The colors are clear and strong. She wears a small red stone surrounded with gold beading pin at her throat. The treatment of the transparent lace is particularly effective.
Label TextDeft rendering of the sitter's facial features, skillful modeling, and convincing depiction of varied textures all reflect the hand of a portraitist who had some proficiency in studio techniques. Of addtional interest is the frame which was painted to resemble mahogany veneer.
MarkingsNone found. The lettering on the spine of the book in the lady's hand is illegible.
ProvenanceUndetermined. Given to C. W. by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.