Henry Inman (American, 1801-1846). <em>Frances Kemble Butler</em>, ca. 1834. Oil on canvas, 34 1/4 x 27 3/16 in. (87 x 69 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles A. Schieren, 13.74 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 13.74_SL3.jpg)

Henry Inman (American, 1801-1846). Frances Kemble Butler, ca. 1834. Oil on canvas, 34 1/4 x 27 3/16 in. (87 x 69 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles A. Schieren, 13.74 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 13.74_SL3.jpg)

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I love this woman's face, but there is no biographical info about her on the label. Can you tell me more about her?

Absolutely! The woman here is Fanny Kemble, a very famous stage actress of the time. This painting of her was done shortly after her marriage to Pierce Butler, hence the title "Frances Kemble Butler." Fanny Kemble would later divorce her husband due to his ownership of slaves.

Good for her! No wonder I liked her! I had certainly heard of her, but had no idea this was she. Maybe this info should be added to the label!

Hi there! Sure! Frances Kemble Butler, also known as Fanny Kemble, was a very popular actress in the early 19th century. She was British, but spent the period of her life from 1832 to 1843 in the United States. There is no evidence that Mrs. Butler actually sat for Inman. This portrait is likely based on a print of an earlier portrait of her.

The artist, Henry Inman, was a high-profile portrait painter active in New York and Philadelphia.

Awesome, thank you!

Frances Kemble Butler

Henry Inman

American Art

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

ARTIST Henry Inman, American, 1801-1846

MEDIUM Oil on canvas

DATES ca. 1834

DIMENSIONS 34 1/4 x 27 3/16 in. (87 x 69 cm) frame: 43 1/2 × 36 3/8 in. (110.5 × 92.4 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Unsigned

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 13.74

CREDIT LINE Gift of Charles A. Schieren

EXHIBITIONS

American Art

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

CAPTION Henry Inman (American, 1801-1846). Frances Kemble Butler, ca. 1834. Oil on canvas, 34 1/4 x 27 3/16 in. (87 x 69 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles A. Schieren, 13.74 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 13.74_SL3.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 13.74_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

I love this woman's face, but there is no biographical info about her on the label. Can you tell me more about her?

Good for her! No wonder I liked her! I had certainly heard of her, but had no idea this was she. Maybe this info should be added to the label!

The artist, Henry Inman, was a high-profile portrait painter active in New York and Philadelphia.

Awesome, thank you!