England, 18th century / c. 1774
Portrait of Mary Wise
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of Mary Wise as painting (England, 18th century · c. 1774).
The portrait shows Mary in her twenties, with her hair powdered fashionably grey.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727–1788).
The museum's collection notes: Mary’s modest and contemplative demeanor is a counterpoint to a rather elaborate ensemble consisting of a gown embroidered with gold flower sprigs, trimmed with lace and pearls, and tied with a gold sash, as well as a gold-striped veil and a bracelet with eight gold bands. Gainsborough’s compact oval format and the sitter’s informal pose lend this portrait an air of intimacy.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of Mary WiseOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.