Harriet White by Samuel Lovett Waldo

Harriet White

Samuel Lovett Waldo · 1835

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“Stop and admire Harriet White's serene gaze in this 1835 portrait. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to bring her composed figure to life, inviting a timeless connection with the sitter.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

In this striking portrait, Harriet White gazes out with a calm, direct expression, her figure framed by a rich, dark backdrop that emphasizes her presence. Her elegant dark dress, with its delicate lace collar and cuffs, speaks to the fashion of the 1830s. The artist, Samuel Lovett Waldo, renders the textures with care, from the soft sheen of her fabric to the subtle highlights on her hair. There's a quiet dignity to her pose, her hands gently clasped, suggesting a woman of composure and grace. The warm light seems to emanate from within the painting, illuminating her face and hands, drawing our attention to her thoughtful eyes. This work captures not just a likeness, but a sense of Harriet White's character, inviting us to connect with her across time.

DETAILS
Artist
Samuel Lovett Waldo
Date
1835
Medium
Oil on canvas
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
123.5 × 89.5 cm (48 5/8 × 35 1/4 in.)
Collection
Arts of the Americas
Culture
United States
Credit line
Gift of Mr. Joseph Winterbotham Jr.
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Harriet White
01

The delicate lace trim on her collar and cuffs.

02

The subtle blush on her cheeks and lips.

03

Her hands, gently clasped, revealing a wedding band.

04

The way the light illuminates her face and hands against the dark background.

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AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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THE ARTIST

Samuel Lovett Waldo

Samuel Lovett Waldo was a prominent American portrait painter known for his detailed likenesses and a unique partnership with William Jewett.

Read Waldo’s full story
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