Artwork
Mrs. Richard Wilmot Hall (Eliza Taylor)
Mrs. Richard Wilmot Hall (Eliza Taylor) is a watercolor painting by the Romanticist artist Gennarino Persico. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This miniature watercolor, created by Gennarino Persico in 1832, portrays Eliza Taylor, also known as Mrs. Richard Wilmot Hall. The small-scale work captures a direct likeness of the sitter, reflecting a common practice of personal portraiture during the period. It is part of the American Wing collection, indicating its significance within American art history.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor on ivory, this portrait exemplifies the miniature form, designed for intimate viewing. The translucent quality of ivory allowed light to reflect through the watercolor layers, imparting a lifelike luminosity to the depicted skin tones. This specialized technique contributed to the delicate and personal character of such small-scale works.
Subject & Meaning
Eliza Taylor is depicted wearing a dark dress adorned with lace, her hair styled in soft curls. Her direct gaze engages the viewer, creating a sense of immediate presence and personal connection. The small format enhances this intimate feeling, suggesting the portrait was intended for private contemplation rather than public display.
Artist & collection
