Memorial Portrait of Catharine Schultz (1789-1832)
Unknown
ca. 1836 · Oil paint and silk thread on silk · The American Wing
This painting and embroidery on silk was conceived as a memorial portrait following Catharine Schultz’s death in 1832 at age 43, but it shows her as a much younger woman. The likeness was probably copied from a miniature portrait painted when Catharine was around 15 years old as the empire style dress and hair style date to 1803-1806. Newspaper fragments from the backing of the original period frame have advertisements for businesses that appear in New York City directories from 1833-37, which help date the portrait. The painted face is highly expressive and well-painted, undoubtedly by a professional. The needlework was likely done by one of Catharine Schultz’s female relatives.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- ca. 1836
- Medium
- Oil paint and silk thread on silk
- Culture
- American
- Department
- The American Wing
- Credit line
- Purchase, Friends of the American Wing Fund, The Masinter Family Foundation Gift, and funds from various donors, 1999
