Maria

c. 1790

American 18th Century

Associated Names
American 18th Century

Artist

The image shows a seated woman leaning against a tree trunk. She is in a reclining pose with her head resting on one hand and her eyes closed or looking downward. She has delicate facial features and long curly hair tied with a headband. The woman wears a flowing white gown with visible folds and a hint of decoration. Beside her is a small dog. The background features lush trees, a blue sky, and a small carriage in the distance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Recorded as from New York. Purchased in 1948 by Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch; gift to NGA, 1953.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1992

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992: 412, repro.

  • Chotner, Deborah, with contributions by Julie Aronson, Sarah D. Cash, and Laurie Weitzenkorn. American Naive Paintings. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. Washington, D.C., 1992: 542-543, repro. 542.

Inscriptions

lower left: Maria's Portrait Reader here's design'd / A gentle form a sentimental mind; lower center: MARIA.; lower right: Deep melancholy on her Reason preys / While over Rocks and Deserts oft she strays

Wikidata ID

Q20179816