Mrs. Freeman Flower
Joseph Highmore·1747
Historical Context
Joseph Highmore's portrait of Mrs. Freeman Flower, painted in 1747, is a companion portrait to that of her husband. Highmore was one of the leading English portrait painters of the generation between Kneller and Reynolds, known for his intelligent, sympathetic approach to his sitters. He also painted literary subjects, including a celebrated series illustrating Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela. His portraits of women are noted for their warmth and naturalism.
Technical Analysis
Highmore's oil-on-canvas technique creates a warm, flattering portrait with careful attention to the sitter's expression and the rendering of fashionable costume. The smooth, refined handling and warm palette demonstrate his command of the English portrait tradition.
Provenance
Freeman Flower (died 1794) from 1747; by descent to his daughter, Lydia, Mrs. Samuel Shore; bequeathed by her to her second cousin Dr. Whittaker, "Whittaker of Belmount" [according to label on back of stretcher]. Sold Pearson's, Winchester, December 13 , 1977, no. 570 (as one of a pair with 1987.262.4) to Thomas Agnew and Sons, London [letter from Gabriel Naughton, Agnew’s, 19 March 1993, in curatorial file]; sold by Agnew’s, March 21, 1979, to John N. Estabrook, Chicago [letter from Gabriel Naughton cited above]; bequeathed by John and Dorothy Estabrook to the Art Institute, 1987.
