Frances Anne Kemble (83.25)

Oil on canvas portrait of a woman; head and part of shoulders to the right. Head tilted over right shoulder, length of neck exposed at left. Hair up swept at back, center part held tight against forehead with narrow ribbon band. Dark brown curls falling across her right temple and cheek; her right ear partially exposed; hair falls against her left shoulder. Brown eyes, arching brows, long "Sully" nose, rosy cheeks and lips. Suggestion of white lacy collar and yellow-ochre sleeve at right. Dark gray background surrounded by swirling aureole of smoky rose for ethereal effect.

Provenance Narrative Frances (Fanny) Anne Kemble, an English actress, who first appeared on American stage in 1832. After marriage to Pierce Butler of Philadelphia, she retired from stage, returning in 1847, shortly before their divorce. This is one of the earliest of at least 13 portraits of Miss Kemble painted by Thomas Sully.

Place Made United States

Signatures/Marks signed "TS" right center

Credit: Friends of the Museum Purchase