Portrait of a Woman

c. 1850

James Presley Ball

Associated Names
James Presley Ball

Artist, American, 1825 - 1904

The image shows a portrait of a woman, capturing her from the shoulders up. She is positioned directly facing the camera with a slight tilt of her head. The woman has smooth, dark hair styled in a middle part, with her hair sleekly wrapped over her ears. Her facial features include dark eyes and full lips. She is wearing an off-shoulder garment, possibly a dress or blouse, embellished with a delicate trim. The woman is also adorned with earrings. The photograph is enclosed in an ornate gold-tone frame with intricate floral and scrollwork details on the outer edge. The background within the frame appears neutral and unadorned.

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Artwork overview

More About this Artwork

Article:  Rare Early Photographs of African American Life

A large collection of personal photographs offers a glimpse of Black entrepreneurship and self-expression in the 19th and 20th centuries.


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ross Kelbaugh, Marriottsville, MD; NGA purchase, 2023.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on brass mat, upper right embossed: J. P. BALL / CINCINNATI; by Ross Kelbaugh, top edge of case in black ink on applied sticker: AF14C-2 / 5.41 GKU


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