Historic Houses

Located on Freemason St. —

Open Saturday and Sunday
Noon–5 p.m.

Jean Outland Chrysler Library

By Appointment

Tuesday-Thursday
10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Moses Myers House

The oldest Jewish home in America open to the public as a museum offers a glimpse of the life of an early 19th century merchant family.
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About the Library

With an extensive collection of more than 106,000 rare and unique volumes relating to the history of art, the Jean Outland Chrysler Art Library is one of the most significant art libraries in the South. More about the library

Willoughby-Baylor House

Completed in 1794, this former home now presents a mix of art and artifacts. See what's on view

Located in Norfolk

One Memorial Place,
Norfolk, VA
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While You're Here

Visit our Museum Shop
and the Wisteria Cafe.

Perry Glass Studio

A state-of-art facility on the Museum’s campus. See a free glassmaking demo Tuesdays–Sunday at noon. Like what you see? Take a class with us! More about the Studio

Moses Myers House

The home of the first permanent Jewish residents of Norfolk, this historic house offers a glimpse of the life of a wealthy early 19th-century merchant family.
More about the house

Jean Outland Chrysler Library

With an extensive collection of more than 106,000 rare and unique volumes relating to the history of art, the Jean Outland Chrysler Library is one of the most significant art libraries in the South. More about the Library

Weddings & Event Rentals

The perfect place for your big day or special event. Get the details

Take a tour

We offer a number of tours on different topics. More about tours

Jean Outland Chrysler Library

Visit one of the most significant art libraries in the South. More about the library

About the Chrysler

Our story spans well over 100 years. See where we began, how we grew, and where we're going. Explore our history

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Portrait of a Lady (Mme H.S.)

Artist: Pierre-Auguste Cot (French, 1837-1883)

Date: 1879

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

Overall: 55 x 35 1/2 in. (139.7 x 90.2 cm)

Overall, Frame: 75 x 56 in. (190.5 x 142.2 cm)

Classification: European art

Credit Line: Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number: 71.2068

Terms

Woman

In Collection(s)

European Painting and Sculpture

On view

DescriptionThis is an oil on canvas painting of a lady. Her figure stands in profile while her head is turned over her left shoulder. A modest pose, her hands clasped together in front of her. She regards the viewer with a serene expression, a slight blush on her cheeks. Her silvery white gown is ornately decorated with gold and pearls. Stiff lace stands up around her collar and the neckline is decorated with pearls. She wears two rings on her wedding finger and a gold bracelet coiled around her left wrist like a snake. A small feathered ornament rests in her gracefully pulled back hair. The background is painted to resemble a faded red carpet or tapestry.

Label textPierre-Auguste Cot
French, 1837–1883
Portrait of a Lady (Mme H.S.), 1879
Oil on canvas

La Parisienne—the Parisian woman—was celebrated worldwide as the quintessence of feminine beauty, fashion, and taste. Consider the regal sitter here. Formally posed against a richly patterned, painted leather backdrop, she wears an elaborate, Elizabethan-style evening dress with a standing lace collar and quilted, pearl-studded sleeves. Coolly surveying the viewer, she is the ultimate French fashionista—the essence of high-style contemporary chic.

Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2068

Published References Eric Karpeles, _Paintings in Proust_ (London: Thames & Husdson, 2008), 294. ISBN: 978-0-500-23854-7