Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2010.

Ideal Portrait

Artist Harriet Cany Peale (American, ca. 1800-1869)

Dateca. 1843-48

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 25 1/4 x 30 1/4 in. (64.1 x 76.8 cm)
Overall, Frame: 31 1/4 x 36 1/4 in. (79.4 x 92.1 cm)

ClassificationsAmerican art

Credit LineGift of Mr. Edward J. Brickhouse

Object number64.51.3

Terms

Woman
Portrait
Red
Green
Cream
Brown
Philadelphia, PA

On View

On view

DescriptionThis is an oil on canvas painting of a woman in an oval frame. Her expression is poised and calm. Her low neckline reveals the creamy white skin of her neck and shoulders. She is dressed in rich fabrics: she wears a red velvet dress and a red silk turban with gold thread. Wavy brown hair gently frames her face. Her eyes are dark and gaze directly at the viewer. Her pose is relaxed as her chin rests on clasped fingers and she leans over a stuffed green velvet pillow, possibly on the back of a chair. The artist was the wife of Rembrandt Peale, and this painting is a copy after his painting _Odalisque_, which is unlocated.

Label TextHarriet Cany Peale American, ca. 1800–1869 Ideal Portrait, ca. 1843–48 Oil on canvas Luxurious velvet fabrics and a turban transform this portrait into an exotic fantasy of life in the Middle East, with the young model posed as a courtesan from the harem of a sultan or prince. Painter Harriet Peale studied art under her husband, Philadelphia artist Rembrandt Peale, and this imaginative picture is a copy of one of his most esteemed works. In addition to such collaborations, Harriet Peale also exhibited original compositions. Perhaps this elegant dreamer reflects the artist’s creative spirit. Gift of Edward J. Brickhouse 64.51.3