Portrait of a Woman 1795 - 1805

This miniature portrait, "Portrait of a Woman," was created by Peter Edward Stroely between 1795 and 1805. The artwork features a young woman in a simple white dress, her hair styled in loose curls. Her gaze is direct, but the sitter's identity remains unknown. Despite the small dimensions of 3 3/8 x 2 5/8 inches, Stroely captured a sense of realism and a hint of romanticism in this detailed work of art. The miniature format was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries for intimate portraits, often held in private collections, and is a testament to Stroely's skills as a miniaturist. Currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this painting is a valuable example of early 19th-century portraiture.