Mrs. Grover Cleveland
painter
Anders Zorn
(Mora, 1860 - 1920, Mora)
Date1899
Place MadeSweden, Europe
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions68 x 51 cm (26 3/4 x 20 1/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberP3w12
Status
Not on viewWeb Commentary
Isabella attended the inauguration of President Cleveland in 1885, and afterwards, she continued to follow the career of the President and First Lady, Frances Folsom Cleveland, whom she met on at least one occasion. They had a mutual friend—Swedish painter Anders Zorn. Isabella was an important patron for Zorn, who she met at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
In December 1898, Zorn came to the United States for several portrait commissions, including two for former President Grover and Frances Cleveland. Before traveling to the Clevelands’ home in New Jersey, Zorn stayed in Boston with Isabella, who had recently become a widow. His presence comforted his grief stricken friend. For her birthday in April, Zorn sent Isabella a study for his portrait of Mrs. Cleveland which she installed in the Blue Room. The finished painting is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, along with Zorn’s portrait of President Cleveland.
Id717836
Last Updated8/9/24
EmbARK ObjectID10972
Source ID231
