Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Portrait of the Artist
(18th and 19th Centuries )
The son of a miniaturist, Baker spent almost his whole life in New York City, except for a trip to Italy in around 1846. He studied at the National Academy of Design. He was one of the most sought after portraitists of his time, but also painted ideal pieces, such as "Love at First Sight," and "The May Queen" (present location unknown). The Walters Art Museum owns 8 works by this artist; his works can also be found at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
This self-portrait of the artist was acquired by William T. Walters during the artist's lifetime, and he seems to have found favor with the collector. He also portrayed Mrs. Ellen Harper Walters, William's wife, and their daughter, Jennie (see WAM 37.2637 and WAM 37.1207).
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
William T. Walters, Baltimore, prior to 1878, by purchase [from the artist]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894, by inheritance; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
USA (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 27 3/16 x W: 22 1/8 in. (69 x 56.2 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. Walters, before 1878
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
37.66