(American, 1858-1946)
Portrait of Catherine McFarlane after Anna Claypoole Peale
Inscribed on case verso: (engraved) “Catherine McFarlane, born March 31st 1800, married to Wood Gibson, Aug. 27th 1823, Died Nov’r. 2nd, 1852”
Inscribed in composition: “Anna C. Peale 1821”
Inscribed on paper insert: (in ink) “Painted by May Fairchild after Anne C. Peale”
There is a paper insert in the case written with what appears to be ball-point pen asserting this work was painted by May Fairchild. There are several attested examples by Mary which appear to be copies of pre-twentieth-century miniatures. Her mother (also Mary) was known to be a miniature painter.
About the Artist
(American, 1858-1946)
Mary Fairchild MacMonnies Low was born in Connecticut in 1858. Originally a school teacher, Mary began taking art classes at the St. Louis School of Art where the director created a scholarship for her to study in Paris. She went on to become one of the most successful woman artist of her generation.
