Who painted Mrs Berresford?

Mrs Berresford was painted by John Smart in 1790.

Where can I see Mrs Berresford?

Mrs Berresford is held by Nationalmuseum.

What movement is Mrs Berresford?

Mrs Berresford is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Mrs Berresford

John Smart , 1790

Mrs Berresford is a gouache painting by the Rococo painting artist John Smart. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Mrs Berresford is a miniature portrait painted in 1790 by John Smart, an English artist of the late 18th century. Executed in gouache, the work exemplifies the Rococo style and is characterized by its detailed, refined depiction of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Mrs Berresford in a formal, serene pose. Her hair is styled in an updo adorned with a small decoration, and she wears a white dress with a low neckline and puffy sleeves, gazing straight ahead with her face turned to the left. The subject's expression and attire suggest a representation of elegance and poise.

Technique & Style

Smart utilized gouache, an opaque watercolor paint, to achieve intricate details and a sense of depth. The Rococo influence is evident in the delicate rendering of the subject's features and the overall lightness of the composition, set against a pale background that accentuates the figure.

History & Provenance

Created in 1790, Mrs Berresford is part of the collection at the Nationalmuseum, reflecting Smart's reputation among his contemporaries for exquisite miniature portraits.

Context

As a miniature portraitist, Smart's work, including Mrs Berresford, was part of a popular 18th-century tradition among the upper classes, where such pieces were often carried or displayed as symbols of affection or status.

Legacy

Mrs Berresford stands as a representative work of John Smart's skill in the miniature portrait genre, contributing to the enduring appreciation of Rococo-era art and the technical nuances of gouache painting in portraiture.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Smart

John Smart (1 May 1741 – 1 May 1811) was an English painter who specialised in portrait miniatures. He was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart, William Wood and Richard Crosse.