Artwork

Portrait of Mrs Clementson

Portrait of Mrs Clementson, by Martin Archer Shee, oil, 1819
Portrait of Mrs Clementson, by Martin Archer Shee, oil, 1819

Portrait of Mrs Clementson is an oil painting by Martin Archer Shee. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Mrs Clementson is an oil painting by Martin Archer Shee, created around 1819. It is a representative work of his portraiture specialization and is part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a woman identified as Mrs Clementson, characterized by her dark, curly hair, elegant attire, and neutral expression. Her gaze is directed slightly to the right, conveying a sense of calm and refinement.

Technique & Style

Shee employs a contrastive color scheme, with Mrs Clementson's white dress and pink ruffled collar set against a dark, muted background. The overall effect is one of serenity, highlighting the subject's elegance.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1819 by Martin Archer Shee, later president of the Royal Academy, the painting is now held in the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Martin Archer Shee

Artist

Martin Archer Shee

Sir Martin Archer Shee (23 December 1769 – 13 August 1850) was an Irish painter and writer.