William Sawyer,
Portrait of Eliza Jane Sawyer (Detail), 1864, oil on canvas. Gift of
Margaret E. Ettinger, 2001 (44-019)
Exhibitions
Portrait of Eliza
Samuel J. Zacks Gallery
21 January - 1 April 2012
Portrait of Eliza is the second instalment in our Keywork series, whichs offer a platform for research into a single extraordinary work from the Art Centre collection
Like many portrait painters in the 19th century, William Sawyer sought commissions in the various cities and towns of Canada East and Canada West. While visiting Kingston, he met Eliza Jane Baxter, and the couple married on 18 November 1851. Though Sawyer continued with his successful itinerant practice, the Limestone City became his home base and Eliza the centre of his life. Sawyer painted several portraits of his wife over the years, returning to her familiar face repeatedly. In these portraits, he documents not only the passage of time and changing fashion, but also a lasting bond. The artist’s affection for his subject is palpable in his treatment of her features and stance; the sitter’s own comfort with her portrayer is equally evident.While Sawyer painted many prominent Canadian dignitaries including John A. Macdonald, his portraits of Eliza provide the rare opportunity to study how an artist’s very public profession translates into a private practice.
As part of our ongoing Keywork series, this exhibition focuses on Portrait of Eliza Jane Sawyer of 1864 from the Art Centre’s collection, the artist’s only full-length portrait among many likenesses of his wife. Through photographs, other artworks, diaries and letters from the Art Centre and Queen’s University Archives, the painting is explored from multiple perspectives to reveal a more comprehensive understanding of Sawyer’s artistic process and favourite subject.
This exhibition is curated by Alicia Boutilier and Chantal Valkenborg, Art History graduate student. Support for this exhibition is provided by the Celebrate Agnes Fund.