Artwork
Portrait of a Baby
Portrait of a Baby is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This miniature portrait, rendered in watercolor on ivory, depicts a plump infant seated on a red cushion.
About this work
Overview
This miniature portrait, rendered in watercolor on ivory, depicts a plump infant seated on a red cushion. Measuring approximately three inches in height, it represents a departure from typical 19th-century miniature subjects, which more commonly featured adults. The artwork is housed within the American Wing, reflecting its origin and style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a baby in a white dress, engaged in characteristic infant behaviors. One hand holds a coral teething ring, a common comfort item of the era, while the other grasps its own foot. This intimate portrayal emphasizes the innocence and vulnerability of early childhood, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of the period.
Technique & Style
Executed with watercolor on a thin slice of ivory, this portrait exemplifies a popular medium for miniatures during the 1800s. Ivory provided a smooth, luminous surface that allowed for delicate detail and subtle color transitions, ideal for capturing the fine features of a subject. While this technique was widespread, its application to such a young child was less frequent.
Artist & collection
