Anders Zorn (Mora, 1860 - 1920, Mora)
Mrs. Grover Cleveland, 1899
Oil on canvas, 68 x 51 cm (26 3/4 x 20 1/16 in.)
In this portrait done in oil on canvas, Mrs. Grover Cleveland is shown seated in a white wooden chair. She is dressed in a flowing white gown with her arms clasped together on her lap with a very pale blue background. Her dress has a satin skirt and chiffon about her chest and shoulders. Her face is prominent, as she has dark hair and eyes in contrast to her pale skin and her light colored dress and background. Her wavy black hair appears to be in an up-do and she gazes directly at the viewer. She has pale pink cheeks and light red lips. Her head and body cast a dark shadow on the wall behind her.
Blue Room
Commentary
Isabella attended the inauguration of President Cleveland in 1885, and afterwards, she continued to follow the career of the President and First Lady, Frances Folsom Cleveland, whom she met on at least one occasion. They had a mutual friend—Swedish painter Anders Zorn. Isabella was an important patron for Zorn, who she met at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
In December 1898, Zorn came to the United States for several portrait commissions, including two for former President Grover and Frances Cleveland. Before traveling to the Clevelands’ home in New Jersey, Zorn stayed in Boston with Isabella, who had recently become a widow. His presence comforted his grief stricken friend. For her birthday in April, Zorn sent Isabella a study for his portrait of Mrs. Cleveland which she installed in the Blue Room. The finished painting is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, along with Zorn’s portrait of President Cleveland.