Portrait of a Young Woman

Currently not on view

Portrait of a Young Woman

1805

James Peale (American, 1749–1831)

Hairwork (items made of or incorporating human hair) and portrait miniatures (which sometimes include hair on the back of their frames) express highly personal associations. While the portrait served as a remembrance of an absent loved one, the lock of hair was a tangible and intimate part of that person. As such, hair is most frequently found on commemorative works for major life events such as births, betrothals, or deaths.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of a Young Woman

Date:

1805

Artist:

James Peale (American, 1749–1831)

Medium:

Watercolor on ivory (front); hair with pearls and gold wire inset into glass (back)

Dimensions:

2 15/16 x 2 7/16 inches (7.5 x 6.2 cm)

Classification:

Miniatures

Credit Line:

Gift of Jeannette Stern Whitebook in memory of Louise Stern Shanis, 1984

Accession Number:

1984-102-1

Geography:

Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view