Description

A sensitively rendered portrait by Frederick James Boston (1855–1932), depicting a woman in dark clothing set against a subdued green-black ground. The sitter is modeled with quiet psychological presence, her face softly illuminated and framed by loosely brushed hair, while a small floral detail at the center of the composition adds a note of delicacy and color. The work sits between American realist portraiture and softer Impressionist handling: traditional in pose and mood, but painterly in the background, garments, and atmospheric surface.

Boston was an American painter and teacher active in New York and Brooklyn art circles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he studied with J. B. Whittaker at Adelphi College in Brooklyn and later with Carolus-Duran in Paris. He became the first instructor of art at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, the institution that later developed into the Brooklyn Museum, and also founded and served as president of the Painters and Sculptors Club. His work belongs naturally within Windsor Gallery’s interest in historically grounded American art: accomplished, atmospheric, and connected to the teaching and exhibition networks that shaped American painting around the turn of the century.

Object Details

Artist: Frederick James Boston
Dates: 1855–1932
Title: Portrait of a Woman
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature: Signed lower left
Dimensions: 18.75 x 26.5 inches overall
Presentation: Currently unframed, with tape or fabric binding around the edges
Subject: Seated female portrait with floral detail
Style: American realist portraiture with soft Impressionist handling

Condition

The painting is currently unframed and has a taped or fabric-covered edge treatment around the perimeter, likely used as a former display or protective border. The edge covering shows age, wear, and surface irregularities. The painted surface shows age-appropriate wear, including scattered surface marks, small abrasions, minor specks, and craquelure visible in areas. There is a few small spot of paint loss.

The canvas is stretched and retains its stretcher structure. The work has not been examined outside its current edge treatment. Reframing is recommended for best presentation. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Purchase Details

Price: $695
Shipping quoted separately. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate.