Portrait of a Lady 1836 - 1838

This miniature portrait by American artist Charles Cromwell Ingham depicts a young woman with a serene expression. Painted between 1836 and 1838, the artwork is a fine example of the miniature portrait genre popular in the 19th century. The subject is adorned with a lace collar and a shawl draped over a blue dress, suggesting a fashionable lady of the period. The small size of the work, measuring just 3 1/4 x 2 1/2 inches, underscores its intimate and personal nature, as was typical of miniature portraits intended for private viewing. The delicate details of the brushstrokes and the refined elegance of the sitter's attire combine to create a captivating visual experience. Currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this miniature portrait offers viewers a glimpse into the artistic sensibilities and social conventions of the 19th century.