Mrs. David Cadwallader Colden

Charles Cromwell Ingham

Created:
Movement:
1830
Romanticism
key Notes:
Regal Portraiture, Early American Elegance
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Dimensions:
28 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. (73 x 60.3 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. David Cadwallader Colden" is a portrait painted by Charles Cromwell Ingham in 1830. The subject of the painting is Sarah Colden, the wife of David Cadwallader Colden, a prominent New York politician and landowner. Ingham was known for his detailed and realistic portraiture, which was characteristic of American art in the early 19th century. The painting exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing the social status and personal identity of his subjects through clothing and expression. The work is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Specific details about the commission or the relationship between the artist and the subject are unknown.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. David Cadwallader Colden" by Charles Cromwell Ingham, created in 1830, is an oil on canvas portrait that depicts a seated woman in a formal attire. The subject is shown in a three-quarter pose, with her body turned slightly to the left while her gaze meets the viewer directly. She is dressed in a dark gown with a high neckline and intricate lace detailing, which contrasts with the lighter tones of her skin. The background features a muted, dark palette that enhances the figure's prominence. Ingham employs soft brushwork to create a sense of realism in the subject's facial features and expression. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the composition, highlighting the contours of her face and the texture of her clothing. The overall arrangement conveys a sense of dignity and poise, characteristic of early 19th-century portraiture.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. David Cadwallader Colden