Artwork

Portrait of Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham

Portrait of Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham, by Richard Gibson, unspecified, 1650
Portrait of Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham, by Richard Gibson, unspecified, 1650

Portrait of Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Baroque artist Richard Gibson. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham is a portrait miniature created circa 1650 by Richard Gibson, a renowned English portrait miniature painter and court figure during the 17th century. The work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham, is depicted with a contemplative, slightly tense expression, conveying a sense of introspection. Her attire, including a dark collar with lace trim, suggests a portrayal of dignity and sobriety.

Technique & Style

The miniature employs chiaroscuro, a dramatic lighting technique that creates a strong contrast between light and dark, enhancing the three-dimensional appearance of Lady Capell's face against a plain, dark background.

History & Provenance

Painted by Richard Gibson, known for his service to successive English monarchs from Charles I to William III and Mary II, the portrait's provenance leads to its current residence at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Created during a period of significant political and artistic change in England, the portrait reflects Gibson's adaptability and favored status across different royal courts, from the Stuart monarchy through the Commonwealth and Restoration periods.

Legacy

While the portrait itself does not have widely documented individual impact, it contributes to the broader legacy of Richard Gibson, highlighting his enduring presence in English royal courts and his mastery of portrait miniatures.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Richard Gibson

Artist

Richard Gibson

Richard Gibson (1615 – 23 July 1690), known as "Dwarf Gibson", was an English painter of portrait miniatures and a court dwarf in England during the reigns of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, Charles II, and William III and Mary II.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.