Mrs. Walter Rathbone Bacon (Virginia Purdy Barker, 1862–1919)

About this artwork

This oil on canvas work by Anders Zorn, titled 'Mrs. Walter Rathbone Bacon (Virginia Purdy Barker, 1862–1919)' and created 1897, represents an important example of artistic production from this period. Anders Zorn's practice contributed to the broader artistic traditions of the time, demonstrating the technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities characteristic of European Paintings artworks in museum collections. The piece reflects the cultural and artistic values of its era, serving as a docume...

Art Historical Context

This striking oil-on-canvas portrait by Swedish artist Anders Zorn captures Virginia Purdy Barker, known as Mrs. Walter Rathbone Bacon, in 1897. Zorn, celebrated for his fluid brushwork and ability to convey both elegance and personality, presents the subject in a full-length format that emphasizes her poised presence. The inclusion of dogs among the tags hints at a personal, domestic element, suggesting the painting blends formal portraiture with intimate details of daily life. Measuring over five feet tall, the work’s impressive scale underscores its role as a statement piece, typical of so...

About the Artist

Anders Zorn · 1860–1920

Anders Zorn (1860–1920), one of Sweden's most celebrated artists, was born on February 18 in Utmeland near Mora in Dalarna, and raised on his maternal grandparents' farm in the nearby hamlet of Yvraden. Displaying prodigious talent from a young age, he attended school in Mora Strand until age twelve, followed by secondary grammar school in Enköping, where he excelled in drawing people and horses. ...