Portrait of a Lady 1829

Eliza Goodridge, an American artist, made this watercolor on ivory, titled "Portrait of a Lady." It presents a challenge to the art historian, because we have to recognize that for centuries, art was primarily an activity pursued by men and promoted by male-dominated institutions. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It’s important to note that Goodridge worked in a period, the 19th century, when opportunities for women artists were extremely limited. They were often excluded from formal training and faced barriers to exhibiting their work. The portrait is a small-scale work that reflects the popularity of miniature portraits as personal keepsakes during this time. For us, the challenge is to consider how social conditions shaped its artistic production. What was it like for a woman to have a career as an artist, and how do the institutions of art contribute to the recognition of her work today?