Peaches

Description

Upper quarter portrait of a seated person, likely a woman, of African descent. 'Peaches' is depicted with gold hoop earrings, metal silver buttons, and an orange string tied in a bow at the neck. The real identity of "Peaches" is unknown, clues on the frame and clothing date the work to circa 1881-1882, prior to Corner's leaving for Europe in 1888. The time period also suggests that the sitter is a New Yorker, as Corner was likely a student at the Art Students League of New York at the time of painting. Corner, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, returned home in 1892. He became one of the premier portrait artists of his day and was a founding member of the Baltimore Museum of Art.