primitive portrait of a little girl with blue eyes and short blonde hair, wearing a pink dress with white trim and a blue and red necklace; girl holds a switch (?); roses at right; swag in ULC; grey ground

Portrait of a Girl, Date Unknown

Attributed to William Matthew Priorexpand_more

Pigment on cardboardexpand_more

Gift from the collection of Edwin and Barbara Bramanexpand_more  2005.152.2

Not on Viewexpand_more

William Matthew Prior worked as an itinerant painter before setttling in Boston, where he established a studio with his brother-in-law, Sturtevant Hamblen, and painted from 1841 until his death in 1873. During the mid-19th century, he became a highly sought after artist because of his realistic yet inexpensive portraits. This portrait of a girl is inscribed on the back with the price $1.25.

Prior is known for his distinctive "flat" portraits, particularly those of children depicted with flat expanses of vibrant color, such as the pink dress here, and limited detail in the arms and hands. The curtain and tassel backdrop is a popular feature in Prior portraits.

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Details
Title
Portrait of a Girl
Artist Life
1806 - 1873
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2005.152.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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primitive portrait of a little girl with blue eyes and short blonde hair, wearing a pink dress with white trim and a blue and red necklace; girl holds a switch (?); roses at right; swag in ULC; grey ground

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