Anders Zorn - Mrs. Potter Palmer, 1896

Anders Zorn (Mora, 1860 - 1920, Mora)

Mrs. Potter Palmer, 1896

Etching on laid paper , 40 x 29.8 cm (15 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)

Commentary

Swedish artist Anders Zorn first came to America as the commissioner of the Swedish art exhibition at the Chicago's World Fair in 1893.  It was there that he met two women who would become important patrons for him: Isabella Stewart Gardner and Bertha Palmer. Mrs. Palmer was the President of the Board of Lady Managers for the Fair and was responsible for exhibits in the Women's Building.  She chose Zorn to paint her portrait, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. He later made this etching of her which is one of many acquired by Isabella.