Provenance

Bessie Potter Vonnoh

American, 1872 - 1955

Explore selected works

See all 24 works of art
The image shows a street scene from an elevated viewpoint. A horse-drawn carriage is seen moving on a wet road, reflecting light. Pedestrians with umbrellas populate the avenue. The road is visibly marked with rainwater. The skyline displays detailed architectural features like church spires and towers. The painting is done in fine, linear brushstrokes highlighting movement and atmosphere. The grayscale palette emphasizes the rainy urban setting. Wisps of steam or smoke are visible. The intricate line work and shading depict a textured, busy street under an overcast sky.
Childe Hassam, Rainy Day, Boston, 1886, pen and black ink, charcoal, and gouache on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.852

Rainy Day, Boston

Childe Hassam · 1886 · pen and black ink, charcoal, and gouache on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.852

The image is a sketch of a young child's head and shoulders. The child is facing the viewer with a direct gaze. The sketch captures the child's facial features, including rounded cheeks, a small nose, slightly parted lips, and straight hair falling to shoulder length with bangs. The child appears to be wearing some type of garment, indicated by faint outlines around the shoulders. The background is minimal, focusing primarily on the child. No jewelry or objects are included in the sketch.
Robert William Vonnoh, Study for "Portrait of Esther Haydin", 1886, graphite on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes, wife of the artist), 2015.19.860

Study for "Portrait of Esther Haydin"

Robert William Vonnoh · 1886 · graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.860

The sculpture shows a seated woman holding a small child in her arms. The woman is dressed in draped attire, with her head slightly bowed as she looks at the child. The sculpture is made of a green-hued material, likely bronze with a patinated finish. It is placed on a flat, rectangular base. The details of the fabric folds and the positioning of the figures depict a mother and child.
Bessie Potter Vonnoh, The Young Mother, 1896, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.3737

The Young Mother

Bessie Potter Vonnoh · 1896 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3737

The image depicts a street scene with large, leafy trees overhead. The horizon is obstructed by surrounding structures. In the distance, there is a grand building with a clock. The style is impressionistic with loose brushstrokes. The color palette includes soft blues, greens, and browns. People are seen strolling on the path, some in period attire.
James Montgomery Flagg, Lucerne, c. 1900-1915, watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to paperboard, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.855

Lucerne

James Montgomery Flagg · c. 1900-1915 · watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to paperboard ·  Accession ID  2015.19.855

This is a drawing of a temperance pledge certificate. The image depicts a "Family Pledge" against the use of intoxicating liquors. The drawing is intricately detailed, featuring symbolic imagery and text banners supporting the message of temperance. Cherubic figures hold a banner at the top that reads, "From this fountain of temperance flow many blessings." Vignettes in the drawing depict a nurturing family scene, with themes of "Industry & Contentment," "Health & Happiness," "Honesty, Frugality," and "Filial-Piety & Religion." The central portion of the drawing includes designated text spaces for the names of "Parents" and "Children." The illustration combines Victorian-era aesthetics with moral teachings to convey its message.
Joseph E. Baker, Family Pledge, 19th century, graphite and gray wash on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.856

Family Pledge

Joseph E. Baker · 19th century · graphite and gray wash on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.856

The image shows a panoramic view of a town. The horizon line is above rolling hills, with mountains in the background. Two tall towers of a church or cathedral stand out in the skyline. The style is detailed, with clear lines and textures of buildings and landscape. The color palette is sepia, giving a nostalgic feel. Rooftops, some with distinct tiles, overlap in the foreground. The town is densely packed with buildings of varying complexity, stretching into the distance.
John Taylor Arms, Charles S. White, Light and Shade, Taxco, 1946, etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.851

Light and Shade, Taxco

John Taylor Arms, Charles S. White · 1946 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.851

This painting depicts a riverbank over which a stone bridge stretches. In the distance, Notre-Dame cathedral is visible in the center of the painting. The cathedral's silhouette stands out against the soft gray and blue sky. It is painted in shades of gray, with some hints of seafoam green and rosy pink. Closest to us, on the bottom left, is a group of people standing by a staircase that leads up to the stone bridge. A cart and horse are nearby on the right, standing by the edge of the water. The bridge is filled with a crowd of figures, including people, horses, and carts. The people in the painting are suggested with small dots and dashes of paint and have little detail. Trees in shades of green, red, and yellow ochre line the street at the opposite side of the bridge. The brushstrokes in the painting are thick and fluid, giving the scene a hazy look.
Robert William Vonnoh, Notre Dame de Paris, c. 1890, oil on canvas, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.79

Notre Dame de Paris

Robert William Vonnoh · c. 1890 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  2015.19.79

The sculpture shows a seated woman with two children: one in her arms and the other standing beside her. The woman sits on a throne-like chair with an ornate backrest. The sculpture is made of a dark, patinated material, possibly bronze, in deep green and brown tones. The figures are depicted with fluid drapery and realistic facial and bodily details. The composition is balanced, with the children neatly placed next to the woman.
Bessie Potter Vonnoh, Enthroned, model 1902, cast by 1910, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Gift of the artist), 2015.19.3624

Enthroned

Bessie Potter Vonnoh · model 1902, cast by 1910 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3624

The sculpture depicts the bust of a small child, with all details focused on the upper body and head. The child appears to be wrapped in a thick, textured garment, which is suggested by the folds and creases throughout the piece. The sculpture is made of bronze, evident from its dark, slightly green patina that adds contour and depth to its features. The child's face is sculpted with a realistic expression, and its gaze is directed outward. The dynamic detailing of the garment contrasts with the smoothness of the face.
Bessie Potter Vonnoh, Bust of Baby, 1901, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.3747

Bust of Baby

Bessie Potter Vonnoh · 1901 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3747

The image features swirling shapes and lines creating an abstract composition in pastel hues. Soft blues, greens, peaches, and lavender are blended together, giving the impression of an aerial view or a body of water. Cloud-like forms and flowing waves are visible throughout the image.
Wilson Irvine, Impression of the Plains, c. 1927, oil, watercolor, and pastel on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Bessie Potter Vonnoh Keyes), 2015.19.853

Impression of the Plains

Wilson Irvine · c. 1927 · oil, watercolor, and pastel on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.853