Portrait of a Girl by William Matthew Prior

Portrait of a Girl Date Unknown

caricature

handmade artwork painting

oil painting

united-states

animal drawing portrait

portrait drawing

watercolour illustration

portrait art

watercolor

fine art portrait

digital portrait

"Portrait of a Girl" is a folk art painting by William Matthew Prior, an American artist known for his whimsical portraits. Prior's portraits are characterized by their bold colors, simplified forms, and often feature a naive charm. This portrait captures the innocence of childhood with its subject's wide, blue eyes and delicate features. The young girl is depicted wearing a pink dress and holding a stick, possibly symbolizing her playful nature. The simple background, consisting of a draped curtain and a stylized rose bush, reinforces the focus on the subject and contributes to the painting's overall charming aesthetic. This painting is a captivating example of early American folk art, highlighting the artistry and unique perspectives of the period.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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William Matthew Prior worked as an itinerant painter before setttling in Boston, where he established a studio with his brother-in-law, Sturtevant Hamblen, and painted from 1841 until his death in 1873. During the mid-19th century, he became a highly sought after artist because of his realistic yet inexpensive portraits. This portrait of a girl is inscribed on the back with the price $1.25. Prior is known for his distinctive "flat" portraits, particularly those of children depicted with flat expanses of vibrant color, such as the pink dress here, and limited detail in the arms and hands. The curtain and tassel backdrop is a popular feature in Prior portraits.