Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA.
71.1.12
Portrait of Mrs.Thomas Graham, 1777
1887 (Date created)
Ink
Wood Engraving
Prints
9.5 in W
x
12.25 in H
(Paper)
American;British
Wood engraving by Timothy Cole after the Portrait of Mrs Thomas Graham by Thomas Gainsborough from 1777, in the National Gallery of Scotland.
Looking at this work of art, one can see the subject as a product of her time. Mrs. Graham wears a mid-18th century dress and stands next to a Greek column. She is portrayed in front of a background reminiscent of a mythic forest. Such tropes were common in 18th century portraiture. This work stands out among other portraits of its era because Mrs. Graham turns to her right, ignoring the viewer.
Additionally, this print is a copy of noted artist Thomas Gainsborough's original painted portrait and was executed by Timothy Cole, a wood engraver by occupation. The work was probably part of an 1883 book he made containing copies of Old Masters' works from Europe (including this work's original painter, Thomas Gainsborough). Thus, one must ponder, is a copy of a great artist's work a real portrait, or just a knockoff of the original?
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
Additionally, this print is a copy of noted artist Thomas Gainsborough's original painted portrait and was executed by Timothy Cole, a wood engraver by occupation. The work was probably part of an 1883 book he made containing copies of Old Masters' works from Europe (including this work's original painter, Thomas Gainsborough). Thus, one must ponder, is a copy of a great artist's work a real portrait, or just a knockoff of the original?
-from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
In Collection
Department of Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, March 1958.
Carnegie Museum auction, Pittsburgh, Oct. 13, 1957.
Carnegie Museum auction, Pittsburgh, Oct. 13, 1957.
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.