William Henry Vining
c. 1810
Medium
painted wax on glass
Dimensions
overall: 9.8 x 5.4 cm (3 7/8 x 2 1/8 in.) overall (glass support): 15.7 x 13 cm (6 3/16 x 5 1/8 in.) framed: 22.5 x 20 x 5.1 cm (8 7/8 x 7 7/8 x 2 in.)
Classification
Painting
Department
CAB
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch
Accession Number
1953.5.106
Art Historical Context
This delicate portrait of William Henry Vining, created around 1810 George M. Miller, a glimpse into early nineteenth-century American portraiture. Rendered in the unusual medium painted wax on glass, the work measures just under four inches in height, suggesting it was intended as an intimate keepsake rather than a grand display piece. Its compact scale and protective framing reflect the personal value such images held for families of the period. The technique of painting with wax on glass allowed for luminous colors and fine detail while providing a durable surface less prone to fading than...