Who painted Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett)?

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett) was painted by Cecilia Beaux in 1900.

Where can I see Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett)?

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett) is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett)?

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett)

Cecilia Beaux , 1900

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Cecilia Beaux. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Mrs.

About this work

Overview

Mrs. Robert Abbe (Catherine Amory Bennett) is a portrait painted in 1900 by Cecilia Beaux, an American artist known for her Impressionist style. The oil-on-canvas work depicts its subject in a formal setting, characterized by the strategic use of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait's subject is Catherine Amory Bennett Abbe, a woman of prominence, as suggested by her attire—a fancy white gown with black embroidery, a feathered hat, and a light shawl. Her dignified pose in a chair conveys a sense of elegance and refinement.

Technique & Style

Beaux employed Impressionist techniques, notably chiaroscuro, to create a three-dimensional effect. The contrast between the glowing highlights on the subject's face and dress and the shadowy areas, set against dark walls, enhances the portrait's depth and visual appeal.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1900, the portrait is now part of the Brooklyn Museum's collection. Cecilia Beaux, a trailblazer, was the first female instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, reflecting her prominence in the early 20th-century American art scene.

Artist & collection

Artist

Cecilia Beaux

Eliza Cecilia Beaux (May 1, 1855 – September 17, 1942) was an American artist and the first woman to teach art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.