Provenance

Mabel Stevens Smithers

Smithers, Francis Sydney Mrs.

born 1868

Explore selected works

This painting shows a sunlit plaza with low steps leading to water at the bottom of the scene. The horizon is marked by rooftops of buildings, including a large red church on the right with round windows and an arched entrance. A few people stand in front of the church in the distance, indicated with small strokes of paint. Two people are present in the center of the painting, at the top of the steps that lead to the water - one standing and another seated on the steps. We can't see their faces, but they appear to have pale skin and wear dresses with shawls in shades of red, blue, white, and tan. The buildings are mostly in shades of cream and tan, and the sky above is mostly white with some hints of pale blue. The water at the bottom is gray, with some parts reflecting the white and blue of the sky. The brushstrokes are soft and visible, giving the scene a hazy appearance.
John Singer Sargent, Campo dei Frari, Venice, c. 1880, watercolor over graphite on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Mabel Stevens Smithers, 1952), 2014.136.195

Campo dei Frari, Venice

John Singer Sargent · c. 1880 · watercolor over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2014.136.195

The painting displays a dark green field stretching into the distance. A line of trees and small, indistinct structures can be seen near the center of the painting. One of the structures on the left shows a plume of smoke coming from a small chimney. In front of this structure is an indistinct person who appears to be wearing a dress. The color palette features earthy tones, with deep greens in the field and trees transitioning to softer browns and blues in the distance. The sky is light blue, but is partially obscured by grey and beige clouds. At the center is a yellow full moon, only slightly above the horizon and glowing warmly.
George Inness, Harvest Moon, 1891, oil on canvas, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Mabel Stevens Smithers, 1952), 2014.136.73

Harvest Moon

George Inness · 1891 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  2014.136.73

The sculpture depicts a panther in a low, stealthy pose. The panther’s body is elongated, with muscles and sinews detailed to convey movement and grace. Made of bronze, the sculpture has a dark brown patina. It sits on an oval base, slightly elevated to allow viewers to observe the panther’s form and fur texture. The tail is extended outward, balancing the crouching stance, while the head faces forward with ears flattened back.
Alexander Phimister Proctor, Panther, 1893-1898, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Mabel Stevens Smithers, 1952), 2015.19.3729

Panther

Alexander Phimister Proctor · 1893-1898 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3729

This painting shows buildings at the edge of a river or canal. On the left, a gondola with a canopy floats on top of the water, carrying a person in a hat. Behind the boat, a bridge arches over the water, leading to pale-red and cream-colored buildings in the distance. More boats can be seen along the shore on the right. The brushstrokes in the painting are loose and fluid, and color palette consists of soft blues, grays, browns, and ochres. The water reflects the soft colors of the boats and buildings, as well as the pale gray of the sky.
John Singer Sargent, Ponte Panada, Fondamenta Nuove, Venice, c. 1880, watercolor over graphite on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Mabel Stevens Smithers, 1952), 2014.136.196

Ponte Panada, Fondamenta Nuove, Venice

John Singer Sargent · c. 1880 · watercolor over graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2014.136.196

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A Canal in Venice

· c. 1879-1880 · pastel and chalk on brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.769

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Mother Reading to Children

George de Forest Brush · 1905 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  2015.19.73