Portrait of Emily Vanderbilt Binney 1894

Frank Benson painted this portrait of Emily Vanderbilt Binney using oil on canvas, likely sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Notice how Benson has deftly manipulated the oil paint, using it thinly in the background to create depth, and building it up in the gown to create a sense of volume and light. The fluffy, translucent quality of the dress is particularly well-rendered. Benson has captured the subject's likeness with great sensitivity, highlighting her delicate features and refined demeanor. Oil painting, traditionally associated with high art, has long served as a medium for portraiture. The careful handling of the material speaks to academic training and a deep understanding of the craft involved. Yet, the choice of subject, a member of the Vanderbilt family, also reflects the social context in which the portrait was made. Considering the materials, making, and context deepens our understanding, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.