Memorial Portrait of Catharine Schultz (1789-1832)
This painting and embroidery on silk was conceived as a memorial portrait following Catharine Schultz’s death in 1832 at age 43, but it shows her as a much younger woman. The likeness was probably copied from a miniature portrait painted when Catharine was around 15 years old as the empire style dress and hair style date to 1803-1806. Newspaper fragments from the backing of the original period frame have advertisements for businesses that appear in New York City directories from 1833-37, which help date the portrait. The painted face is highly expressive and well-painted, undoubtedly by a professional. The needlework was likely done by one of Catharine Schultz’s female relatives.
Artwork Details
- Title: Memorial Portrait of Catharine Schultz (1789-1832)
- Date: ca. 1836
- Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Oil paint and silk thread on silk
- Dimensions: 25 5/8 × 22 5/8 in. (65.1 × 57.5 cm)
Framed: 25 5/8 x 22 1/2 x 2 in. (65.1 x 57.2 x 5.1 cm) - Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of the American Wing Fund, The Masinter Family Foundation Gift, and funds from various donors, 1999
- Object Number: 1999.144
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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