Artwork
Young Woman Wearing a Turban
Young Woman Wearing a Turban is a watercolor painting by Mary Ann Willson. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
Young Woman Wearing a Turban is a watercolor painting created by American folk artist Mary Ann Willson in 1812. It is part of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young woman in profile, wearing a dark blue turban with a red and green band, a blue dress with black dots, and a yellow necklace with black spots. Her attire features repeating patterns, and she is shown looking to the right with her left hand visible.
Technique & Style
Willson used watercolor to render the subject, showcasing her skill with the medium. The work is characteristic of early 19th-century American folk art, with attention to detail in the subject's clothing and accessories.
History & Provenance
Mary Ann Willson was active as an artist between 1810 and 1825, and her work was rediscovered at an exhibition of American Primitive paintings in 1944. The painting has been held in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Ann Willson (active 1810 to 1825) was an American folk artist whose work remained undiscovered for over a century, until it appeared in an exhibition of American Primitive paintings in 1944.
