Augustin Amant Constant Fidèle Edouart (Dunkirk, 1789 - 1861, Guisnes, France)
James Russell Lowell, 1841
Cut paper silhouette, 30.48 x 12.7 cm (12 x 5 in.)
This cut-paper silhouette is a full-body portrait of the poet James Russell Lowel. The mat is cream colored and, with the exception of a white collar, the entire figure and clothing are black. Lowell is shown in profile facing to our right. His hair appears to be pulled up and back from his forehead with a stray wisp sticking out in back. He has a high forehead and long nose. A white collar fits snugly around his neck under a fitted coat that extends almost to his knees. Other clothing includes straight-leg trousers and simple pointed shoes. The figure stands with his left leg forward of his right. His left arm is bent at the elbow and held across his chest, just above his waist. His right arm is bent and held behind his back. In blue ink, on the label, is Lowell’s signature.
Vatichino
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.