Who painted Medallion Portrait of a Woman?

Medallion Portrait of a Woman was painted by Albert Sands Southworth in 1850.

Where can I see Medallion Portrait of a Woman?

Medallion Portrait of a Woman is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Medallion Portrait of a Woman?

Medallion Portrait of a Woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Medallion Portrait of a Woman

Albert Sands Southworth , 1850

Medallion Portrait of a Woman is a photography by the Romanticist artist Albert Sands Southworth. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This daguerreotype portrait presents a woman's face within a circular frame, achieved through a complex photographic process.

About this work

Overview

This daguerreotype portrait presents a woman's face within a circular frame, achieved through a complex photographic process. The image is characterized by sharp features and subtle shading, set against a dark, plain background.

Technique & Style

The portrait was created using a patented method involving a masked plate and a perforated template to capture multiple exposures. The daguerreotype's luminosity and polish were enhanced by an additional layer of silver, a technique employed by the photographers Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes.

History & Provenance

Southworth and Hawes operated a Boston daguerreotype studio catering to the city's elite, innovating with a skylight to improve lighting. Their work exemplifies the technical and aesthetic mastery of early photography.