Artwork

Harriet Hosmer

Harriet Hosmer, by William Page, oil, 1855
Harriet Hosmer, by William Page, oil, 1855

Harriet Hosmer is an oil painting by the Realist artist William Page. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

William Page's 1855 oil painting, Harriet Hosmer, is a portrait housed at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, capturing its subject in a distinctive, androgynous attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Harriet Hosmer with dark hair and a serious expression. Her outfit—a brown jacket with a black lapel, white shirt, and red bow tie—reflects masculine fashion influences, unusual for a woman of the time, potentially signifying her individuality or professional identity.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, leveraging strong light and dark contrasts to create depth and emphasize the subject's features, adding a layer of sophistication to the portrait.

History & Provenance

Created in 1855 by William Page, the work is part of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided here.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Page

Artist

William Page

William Page (1794–1872) was an artist.