Maria Cosway with Her Daughter Louisa
c. 1794
Medium
graphite, red and black chalk, and gray and red wash on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 27 x 11.1 cm (10 5/8 x 4 3/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Joan and David Maxwell Fund
Accession Number
2005.56.1
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Richard Cosway’s tender portrait captures his wife, the accomplished artist and musician Maria Cosway, cradling their young daughter Louisa around 1794. Created during a period when Cosway enjoyed royal patronage as a leading miniaturist, the drawing offers an intimate glimpse into the private life of a celebrated artistic couple. Maria herself was a prominent figure in London’s cultural circles, known for her own paintings and her close friendship with Thomas Jefferson. Executed in graphite, red and black chalk, and delicate washes on laid paper, the work showcases Cosway’s refined draftsman...
About the Artist
Richard Cosway
The most fashionable miniaturist of his day, Cosway was known for his elegant portraits. His large-scale portraits are considered less successful. He was friends with the Prince of Wales (later Prince Regent). Comment on works: religious, Portraits, mythology, miniatures