Contemplation

DateProbably 1810-1825

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston area (probably)

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions15" x 21 1/8" (38.1 cm. x 53.7 cm.) unframed; 19 1/8" x 25 1/8" framed.

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1931.101.4

DescriptionAt middle right, a young woman dressed in white sits amongst a group of trees with her head resting on her R hand, her elbow in her lap. A green sash is tied in a bow and circles one shoulder, with a pipe attached at the waist and dangling in front of her. A leash leads from her to a small black dog standing before her and facing her. A pool of water is at front center. A small building is at far R in the picture. A townscape is visible, with multi-colored buildings, to L of and beyond the woman, with mountains in the distance. A carriage travels over a bridge at far left with more trees and bushes dotted there.
Label TextThe LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY and its sequel, A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY THROUGH FRANCE AND ITALY, were two very popular novels written by Laurence Sterne in 1767 and 1768. Their French heroine, Maria, was depicted by amateur artists in a variety of mediums well into the nineteenth century. Maria is shown here in the melancholy state produced by a thwarted love affair.
ProvenanceFound in Boston, Mass., by Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; bought from Halpert November 9, 1931, by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller by whom given to CWF in 1939.