Portrait of a Woman

Description This miniature is in a gold enamelled frame set with brilliants. In addition to his portraits, Samuel Shelley (1750-1808) also painted fancy figures and compositions from Shakespeare, Tasso, and other poets. This may be an idealized image of a poetess or author, suggested by the up-turned eyes and low cut gown.

Provenance Probably Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Probably acquired by Henry Walters