Portrait of a Lady
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Portrait of a Lady

John Alexander McDougall, born 1810/11-died NY 1894 · 1839

watercolor on ivory
Smithsonian American Art Museum
CC0 — Public Domain
Smithsonian American Art Museum

John Alexander McDougall painted these sitters, possibly a husband and wife, while he was in New Orleans in 1839. The artist used different backgrounds for each painting. The plain background of the gentleman’s portrait complements the blue of his eyes, while the dark trees surrounding the lady emphasize her pale complexion. Conservation of these miniatures was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.

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