Who painted Anne Willing Bingham?

Anne Willing Bingham was painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1799.

Where can I see Anne Willing Bingham?

Anne Willing Bingham is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Anne Willing Bingham?

Anne Willing Bingham is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Anne Willing Bingham?

Museum-quality prints of Anne Willing Bingham are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Anne Willing Bingham

Gilbert Stuart , 1799

Anne Willing Bingham is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Gilbert Stuart. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Gilbert Stuart’s 1799 oil portrait presents Anne Willing Bingham, a distinguished Philadelphia socialite of the late eighteenth century. Rendered on canvas, the work captures the sitter in a poised, contemplative stance, her gaze directed slightly leftward. The composition is framed by a darkened backdrop that accentuates her features and the subtle details of her attire.

Subject & Meaning

Anne Willing Bingham, noted for her involvement in Philadelphia’s cultural circles, is depicted with an air of quiet dignity. She holds a book in her right hand, suggesting education or literary interest, while a prominent brooch and the modest elegance of her black dress convey her social standing. The serene expression invites a sense of introspection.

Technique & Style

Stuart employs a restrained palette, using deep shadows to model the figure’s form and to create a luminous contrast with the white collar and the gleam of the brooch. His brushwork balances fine detail in the facial features with broader, softer strokes in the background, aligning the portrait with the emerging American Impressionist sensibility of the period.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1799, the painting entered the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Stuart, a pre‑eminent portraitist of the new nation, produced this work during a prolific phase that also included his celebrated, though unfinished, portrait of George Washington.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart (né Stewart; December 3, 1755 – July 9, 1828) was an American painter born in the Rhode Island Colony who is widely considered one of America's foremost portraitists.