Artwork
Portrait of Elizabeth Isabella Broughton, about seven years old, 1814
Portrait of Elizabeth Isabella Broughton, about seven years old, 1814 is a watercolor painting by Richard Read Sr.. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Australia.
About this work
Overview
This 1814 watercolor painting by Richard Read Sr. portrays Elizabeth Isabella Broughton (née Throsby) at approximately seven years of age. It is part of the National Library of Australia's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Elizabeth, is depicted in a contemplative pose, sitting on a rock with clasped hands, set against a serene landscape of water, mountains, and a cloudy sky. Her attire, a white dress with a blue waist ribbon and intricate lace, conveys a sense of youthful elegance.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, the painting exhibits a soft, dreamy quality characteristic of the medium. The artist's handling of watercolor achieves a delicate balance between the subject's gentle features and the naturalistic background.
History & Provenance
Created by British-born convict artist Richard Read Sr. in colonial Australia, the work distinguishes him from a similarly named artist, likely his son, also active in Sydney. It has been preserved in the National Library of Australia's collection.
Context
The portrait reflects the early 19th-century colonial Australian context in which it was made, showcasing the artistic practices of the time among the British expatriate and convict communities.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of the portrait are not widely documented, it contributes to the historical record of early Australian art and the oeuvre of Richard Read Sr., a notable figure in the colony's artistic landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Read Sr. (c. 1765 – c. 1829) was a British-born artist who was sent to Australia as a convict. He is known as Richard Read senior to differentiate him from another Richard Read, thought to be his son, who…
