John Smibert / Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch (?) / c. 1734

John Smibert
Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch (?)
c. 1734
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Creator Name: Smibert, John
Creator Nationality: North American; American
Creator Role: Artist
Creator Dates/Places: 1688 - 1751
Gender: M
Creator Birth Place: Scotland
Creator Name-CRT: John Smibert
Title: Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch (?)
Title Type: Primary
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: 1729
Creation End Date: 1739
Creation Date: c. 1734
Object Type: Paintings
Materials and Techniques: oil on canvas
Dimensions: Unframed: 75.6cm x 62.2cm
AMICA Contributor: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 3919.1920
Credit Line: Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection
Rights: http://www.clemusart.com/museum/disclaim2.html
Provenance: family of the sitter, to Emily Hallowell, Mass.
Context: The appearance of a professionally trained British painter in the American colonies in 1729 marks a curcial point in the history of American art. Smibert not only imported the skills necessary to convey the impression of substantial, rounded forms in a picture, but his commercial success also inspired others to contemplate careers as painters. Born in Edinburgh and schooled in London and Italy, Smibert attracted numerous clients upon his arrival in Boston. The low bodice, long neck, and sinuous curl of hair in this portrait follow British conventions for depicting women. Research continues as to the identity of the sitter, long thought to be Mrs. Thomas Bulfinch (born Judith Colman, 1707-1765), since that name does not appear in Smibert's recently discovered records.
AMICA ID: CMA_.3919.1920
AMICA Library Year: 2001
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright, The Cleveland Museum of Art

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