The Cleveland Museum of Art
Portrait of Mary Wise
Description
Mary’s modest and contemplative demeanor is a counterpoint to a rather elaborate ensemble consisting of a gown embroidered with gold flower sprigs, trimmed with lace and pearls, and tied with a gold sash, as well as a gold-striped veil and a bracelet with eight gold bands. Gainsborough’s compact oval format and the sitter’s informal pose lend this portrait an air of intimacy.
Provenance
Mrs. Henry Christopher Wise (née Mary Wathen) [born 1751] by descent to her great-granddaughter, Catherine Waller; Catherine [1804-1861] and Sir Thomas Wathen Waller, 2nd Bt [1805-1892], by descent to their grandson, Sir Francis Grant Waller; Sir Francis Grant Waller, 4th Bt, sold to Agnew; (Agnew, London, sold to Duveen); (Duveen, through Romer Williams); (F. Kleinberger Galleries, New York, NY); (Duveen); Elizabeth Severance Prentiss Allen [1865-1944], Cleveland, OH, bequeathed by her to the Cleveland Museum of Art; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Dimensions
76.2 × 63.6 cm
Movement / Period
Accession No
1944.82
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727–1788)
European Painting and Sculpture • England, 18th century • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery