Marie Spartali Stillman
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Marie Spartali Stillman
1844-1927
Ponte Nomentano
Watercolor and gouache, gum arabic, over traces of graphite; laid down on paper stretched over panel.
11 1/16 x 18 7/8 inches (282 x 478 mm)
Gift of John M. Thayer.
2003.39
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Notes:
Marie Spartali began her career as a model for members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and for photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, but soon decided to become a painter herself. After marrying fellow artist W. James Stillman, Spartali spent part of her time in Italy, between Florence and Rome. The Ponte Nomentano is a picturesque Roman bridge celebrated for its medieval bridge tower, seen at left in Stillman's watercolor. She enjoyed a long career although her work has remained little known.
Inscription:
Signed with monogram at lower right. Stamped at lower right, "[effaced]3". Signed on back of frame in pen and black ink, "LS. Bain(?)".
Provenance:
Roy Miles, London (their label on back of frame with inventory number 1147); sale, Christie's, London, 25 October 1989, lot 365; John M. Thayer.
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