colonial portraits
TRANSCRIPT
Colonial Portraits
Purposes for a Portriat• Portraits showed status- only the wealthy
could afford them.• Portraits were also a way of sending
messages about yourself • Portraits were sometimes wish
fulfillment.-imagining yourself as wealthier or more important than you were.
The Picture didn’t Always show reality.
Nathaniel Sparhawk• Wealthy merchant• Red velvet suit =
money and power• Background = Greek
statues, columns, large estate
Ann Tyng• Landscape
background• Silk dress, bows, all
point to wealth
John Hancock• Seated at desk• Writing in ledger• Engaged in trade• Chair, suit and ledger
demonstrate money, power
Mercy Otis Warren• Lace cap and
decoration• Gardening – a
woman’s pursuit if she has time and money
Mary and Elizabeth Royall
• Young sisters• Wealth demonstrated
by fabrics of dresses• Children dressed as
copies of adults
Henry Pelham (Boy with Squirrel)
• Boy dressed in suit and jacket, like adult
• Sheen of mahogany • Reflections in tabletop• Water in glass• These were all marks
of strong artist
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Winslow
• Couple seated together
• almost modern faces• Seem modest but
fabric shows their wealth– Printed fabric– Lace– Mahogany table– Richness of man’s
clothes
The Copley Family
Nicholas Boyalston• Turkish robe and
headgear• Wealthy, something
of a dandy
The Artist in his Museum• Revolutionary War
hero• Surgeon, wealthy
Philadelphian• Museum with
collection of curiousities– Dinosaur bones– Skeletons– fossils
Samuel Adams• Somber background• Adams is the focus• His focus is where his
finger points• Massachusetts Bay
Colony Charter
John Winthrop• Congregational
minister• Astronomer• Shown with his
telescope and record of his journey to observe stars and planets
Paul Revere• Silversmith, artisan• In his shirtsleeves• Holding his craft,
tools on table• Shirt is high-quality
linen• Table is mahogany• An artisan who has a
high social position
A Guide to Men’s Clothing
Long socks
Britches
Waistcoat
Long Shirt
A Guide to Women’s Clothing
Mop CapOr Bonnet
Bodice
Blouse
Apron
Skirt