John Thomson (Edinburgh, 1837 - 1921, London)
Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1888
Platinum print, 6 cm (2 3/8 in.) diameter
This small platinum print of Isabella Stewart Gardner shows her head and shoulders and is set in a circular silver frame. Isabella is seen with her body turned slightly to our right, and has her head turned to peacefully gaze directly at the viewer. She has a pale complexion, light eyes, and her hair is pulled back. Her wide brimmed hat curves upward on our right where there is a fluffy feather. On the brim to our left is a white decorated circular pin. Her dark satin dress is buttoned up to the high collar. The background is plain. The silver frame is etched with leaves and berries with a bow at the top.
Macknight Room
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.