Who painted Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith)?

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) was painted by Allen Smith, Jr. in 1804.

Where can I see Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith)?

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith)?

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) is associated with American Folk Art.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith)

Allen Smith, Jr. , 1804

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) is an unspecified painting by the American Folk Art artist Allen Smith, Jr.. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of the Artist's Mother (Lydia Wardwell Smith) is a painting created by American portrait painter Allen Smith Jr. circa 1804, now held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the artist's mother, Lydia Wardwell Smith, portrayed in a manner emphasizing her quiet dignity through subtle, unadorned representation.

Technique & Style

Executed in the American folk art tradition, the painting features a profile view, dark background, and soft shadows highlighting the subject's facial features and textiles, characteristic of early 19th-century portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created around 1804 by Allen Smith Jr., the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided.

Context

The painting reflects the stylistic preferences of its time, including the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and mood, as seen in the interplay of light on the subject's wrinkles and lace collar.