Mrs. James Clinton Griswold

Charles Loring Elliott

Created:
Movement:
1854
Realism
key Notes:
Victorian Elegance, Portrait Realism
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Dimensions:
36 1/8 x 29 1/4 in. (91.8 x 74.3 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. James Clinton Griswold" is a portrait painted by American artist Charles Loring Elliott in 1854. The subject of the painting is Mary Griswold, the wife of James Clinton Griswold, a prominent figure in the New York business community. Elliott was known for his detailed and lifelike portraits, often capturing the social elite of his time. The painting exemplifies the mid-19th century American portraiture style, characterized by its emphasis on realism and the psychological depth of the subject. The work is notable for its rich color palette and the intricate rendering of fabrics, which highlight the sitter's status. The current location of the painting is unknown, but it is part of the broader collection of Elliott's works that reflect the cultural and social dynamics of the period.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. James Clinton Griswold," painted by Charles Loring Elliott in 1854, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a seated position. The composition features a woman dressed in a dark, elegantly draped gown, which contrasts with the lighter tones of her skin. Her hair is styled in soft waves, adorned with a decorative headpiece, adding to the overall sense of refinement. The background is rendered in muted colors, allowing the figure to stand out prominently. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimension, highlighting the subject's facial features and the textures of her clothing. Elliott's attention to detail is evident in the delicate rendering of the fabric and the lifelike quality of the subject's expression. The painting exemplifies the mid-19th century American portraiture style, characterized by its focus on individual identity and social status.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. James Clinton Griswold