Mary Crowninshield Silsbee Sparks (Mrs. Jared Sparks) (1809-1887)

Francis Alexander

Created:

Movement:

unknown

Realism

key Notes:

Portraiture, Elegance

Dimensions:

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Master

New game

story of the work:

"Mary Crowninshield Silsbee Sparks (Mrs. Jared Sparks) (1809-1887)" is a portrait painted by Francis Alexander, an American artist known for his contributions to 19th-century portraiture. The work reflects the artist's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects, while also serving as a testament to the social prominence of Mrs. Sparks, who was the wife of historian and Unitarian minister Jared Sparks.

Description of the work:

The painting "Mary Crowninshield Silsbee Sparks (Mrs. Jared Sparks) (1809-1887)" by Francis Alexander features a seated female figure, depicted in a three-quarter pose, adorned in a dark gown with intricate detailing that highlights the texture of the fabric. The composition is characterized by a soft, naturalistic palette and a subtle interplay of light and shadow, which enhances the subject's dignified expression and the overall sense of intimacy within the portrait.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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